All students deserve to learn in a safe, supportive environment that helps them grow and succeed—including students with disabilities.
Your Child’s Right to an Education
Children with disabilities have the legal right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This means your student must receive the same chance to learn as their peers without disabilities.
FAPE is protected under federal law, including:
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
FAPE doesn’t mean the “best” education—it means your student gets the support they need to access school in a meaningful way. FAPE ensures that students with disabilities receive appropriate regular or special education and related aids and services at no cost to the parents/guardians.
Additionally, all schools that receive federal funding must follow the standards put in place by Title 2 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is especially important to remember if a parent/guardian (“companion”) or a student has a disability that impacts communication. See Effective Communication below for more on this.
For assistance on better understanding these rights and how they apply to you, please reach out to Disability Advocacy Solutions.