IDEA

What Does IDEA Provide?

If your school-aged child (including teenagers) is eligible for assistance under IDEA, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed for him or her. An IEP must be completed no more than 30 calendar days from the date your child is found eligible under IDEA. The specific materials, equipment, or services that your child will receive will be spelled out in this plan.

A group of people called the IEP team decides what will be included in your child’s IEP. This team includes the people who are most interested in the well-being of children with special needs, including parents, teachers, and counselors. You may even decide to include your child as a member once he or she is able to contribute to the plan.

The team works out a child's first IEP based on the information gathered in an initial evaluation. The IEP will include annual educational goals for your child and will spell out the assistance he or she will receive so those aims can be met. The IEP team will consider your child’s educational, physical, emotional, and social needs.

Here are some examples of materials, equipment, and services that your child may receive under the IDEA.

• A special chair to allow him or her to sit more comfortably, have less pain, and be less tired in the classroom.
• Use of a computer because writing is difficult.
• An extra set of books so that he or she does not have to lug books back and forth between school and home.
• A lift on his or her school bus.
• Ramps for stairs at school.
• Physical therapy to increase strength and flexibility so that he or she feels less pain, is less tired, and thus can learn better and get around school more easily.
• Individualized P.E. activities that take into account his or her JA.
• Counseling to help him or her cope with the emotional consequences of JA.

The IEP team may even decide there are times when instruction outside of school is necessary. Instructors may come to your house or to the hospital, or wherever your child is located.