The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Understanding Educational Services
Your education matters.
Learn how to understand your IEP or 504 Plan and use your voice in school.
Course Description
This course explains two important school laws that protect students with disabilities: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.
- You will learn why these laws were created, who they protect, and what public schools must provide. The course explains the difference between special education under IDEA and accommodations under Section 504. You will also learn how students qualify and how support plans are made.
- The course covers IEPs, including evaluations, meetings, and the roles of students, families, and school staff. You will see examples of services and accommodations and how they are used in real school settings.
- This course also focuses on using your voice. You will learn how to prepare for meetings, ask questions, understand school decisions, and speak up about what you need.
This self-paced course is designed for youth and young adults who want a clear, practical understanding of their rights in school.
Enrollment
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Additional Resources
Use the resources below to learn more about the topics in this course.
These resources are optional, and reading them is not required to complete the course.
They are here for anyone who wants to keep learning and go a little deeper.
More Resources about the IDEA
(Click each title below to open the resource and learn more)
- U.S. Department of Education: Overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Website)
- CPIR: Categories of Disability Under Part B of IDEA (Website)
- NHCDD: A Pocket Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (PDF)
- Disability Law Colorado: Q&A on Eligibility of Students under Section 504 and the IDEA in K-12 Education Settings (PDF)
- Congressional Research Service: The Rights of Students with Disabilities Under the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA (Website)
Virtual Sensory Space (VSS)
Feeling overwhelmed? Need a break between courses? Or just want a few moments of peace? Our virtual sensory space offers simple tools and experiences to help you feel grounded and supported.
Youth and Youth Adult Resource Library
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