Which federal law mandates services for students with disabilities in public schools?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that mandates services for students with disabilities in public schools. This law ensures that eligible children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. Under IDEA, schools are required to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student with a disability, outlining specific educational goals and the services needed to help them achieve these goals.

This law emphasizes the importance of providing all students, regardless of their disability, access to the same educational opportunities as their peers. By guaranteeing specific rights and services, IDEA plays a crucial role in promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream education settings and provides pathways for appropriate support and resources.

While the other laws listed also address aspects of disability rights and accommodations, they do not specifically mandate educational services for students with disabilities in the way that IDEA does. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act focuses on education funding and accountability, the Rehabilitation Act addresses employment and accessibility, and the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures broader civil rights protections against discrimination.