{"id":5908,"date":"2025-09-23T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/?p=5908"},"modified":"2025-09-22T08:54:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T16:54:28","slug":"at-access-backed-by-law-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/at-access-backed-by-law-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea\/","title":{"rendered":"AT Access Backed by Law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This blog is the second in a three-part series based on the recent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cLLd7TOcjnc\">webinar presentation \u201cYour Future, Your Tools: AT for the Road Ahead.\u201d<\/a> The segment, titled \u201c<em>Differences Between IDEA\/504 (K\u201312) and ADA Protections<\/em>,\u201d was presented by <strong>Jan Garrett, Deputy Director of ADA Programs at the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adapacific.org\/\"><strong>Pacific ADA Center<\/strong>.<\/a> The series explores how key disability rights laws ADA, IDEA, and Section 504, support access to AT at different stages of life. This second post focuses on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Jan discusses how IDEA ensures that eligible students with disabilities receive special education services and access to AT throughout their K\u201312 education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AT-Access-Backed-by-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act-IDEA.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AT-Access-Backed-by-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act-IDEA-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A young woman dressed in pink and clapping in a classroom setting. Besides text reads: \u201cWhere It\u2019s AT \u2013 The Ability Tools Blog.\u201d  \u201cAT Access Backed by Law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)\u201d with \u201cAbilityTools.org\u201d below.\" class=\"wp-image-5939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AT-Access-Backed-by-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act-IDEA-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AT-Access-Backed-by-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act-IDEA-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AT-Access-Backed-by-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act-IDEA-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AT-Access-Backed-by-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act-IDEA-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AT-Access-Backed-by-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act-IDEA-460x260.png 460w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AT-Access-Backed-by-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act-IDEA.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of the Law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ed.gov\/laws-and-policy\/individuals-disabilities\/idea\">Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)<\/a> is an education law that provides federal financial assistance to state and local education agencies to guarantee special education and related services for eligible children with disabilities. IDEA was reauthorized and amended effective August 2006 for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/crs-product\/R41833\">Part B<\/a>, which applies to school-aged children, and September 2011 for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ed.gov\/sites\/ed\/files\/policy\/speced\/guid\/idea\/tb-partc-ammend.pdf\">Part C<\/a>, which applies to infants and toddlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IDEA also makes clear that <strong>AT can be an essential part of the services a child receives<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is Covered Under IDEA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Children ages 3\u201321 in K\u201312 education may be determined eligible for services under IDEA if a multidisciplinary team finds that they meet the criteria for one or more of 13 specific disability categories and require special education and related services. These categories include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Autism<\/li><li>Deafness<\/li><li>Deaf-blindness<\/li><li>Hearing impairments<\/li><li>Intellectual disabilities<\/li><li>Serious emotional disturbance<\/li><li>Speech or language impairments<\/li><li>Visual impairments, including blindness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Through IDEA, students who qualify under these categories can <strong>receive individualized support and related services, which may include AT,<\/strong> to help them access their education and fully participate in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The IDEA guarantees a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ed.gov\/laws-and-policy\/civil-rights-laws\/disability-discrimination\/disability-discrimination-key-issues\/disability-discrimination-providing-free-appropriate-public-education-fape\">Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE<\/a>) for eligible children with disabilities. FAPE includes both special education and related services provided at no cost to parents. Special education refers to specially designed instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of each child with a disability, while related services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and counseling are offered when necessary to help the student benefit from special education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under IDEA, an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/individualized-education-plan-5222023\">Individualized Education Program (IEP)<\/a> is developed collaboratively by a team of specific participants to outline the child\u2019s educational goals and the supports they will receive. AT may be included in the IEP when needed <strong>to ensure the child can access their education and progress toward their goals.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_175217_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_175217_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\" alt=\"A side view of a group of kids boarding a school bus.\" class=\"wp-image-5946\" width=\"498\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_175217_www.canva_.com_.jpeg 740w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_175217_www.canva_.com_-300x187.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Funding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IDEA provides funding under Parts B and C to assist states and local education agencies in meeting its requirements to serve infants, toddlers, and youth with disabilities. This <strong>funding helps ensure that children with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need<\/strong>, which can include AT to support their learning, development, and independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Written Notice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IDEA requires that parents receive written notice regarding the identification, evaluation, and\/or placement of their child. This written notice must be <strong>provided prior to any change in placement, and IDEA specifies the required parts that must be included in these notices<\/strong>. Written notice ensures that parents are informed and involved in decisions about their child\u2019s education, including <strong>when AT may be considered as part of the child\u2019s supports and services.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evaluation and Placement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IDEA requires a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team <strong>at least once every 3 years<\/strong>, and parental consent is required. For evaluation and placement decisions, more than a single procedure or information source must be used, and information from all sources must be documented and carefully considered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eligibility decisions must be made by <strong>a group of people who know about the student, the evaluation data, and placement options.<\/strong> Placement must serve the student in the <a href=\"https:\/\/govfacts.org\/federal\/ed\/least-restrictive-environment-lre-explained-for-parents\/\">Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)<\/a>, and an IEP meeting is required before any change in placement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AT may be part of this process, as it can be considered during evaluations, IEP meetings, and placement decisions to ensure the student has the tools they need to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162556_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162556_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\" alt=\"An adult and group of children painting together on a large rectangle piece of paper covering their table.\" class=\"wp-image-5937\" width=\"498\" height=\"329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162556_www.canva_.com_.jpeg 689w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162556_www.canva_.com_-300x198.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Due Process and Enforcement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IDEA has specific requirements for local education agencies to provide <a href=\"https:\/\/cadreworks.org\/resources\/literature-article\/impartial-hearings-under-idea-updated-legal-issues-and-answers\">impartial hearings for parents<\/a> who disagree with the identification, evaluation, or placement of a child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These hearings give parents the opportunity to challenge decisions and ensure their child\u2019s rights are protected, <strong>including if they believe that AT would be helpful for their child.<\/strong> This process helps ensure that students receive the supports they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How IDEA Relates to AT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IDEA directly relates to AT because it ensures that children with disabilities have access to the tools and supports they need to benefit from their education. AT can be considered as part of a student\u2019s evaluation, included in their IEP, and provided as a related service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AT in an IEP doesn\u2019t have to be just the usual devices. It can be things like AI tools for classroom tasks (like <a href=\"https:\/\/otter.ai\/\">Otter AI<\/a>), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.especialneeds.com\/shop\/special-needs-seating-positioning.html\">adaptive seating or positioning equipment<\/a> for comfort and accessibility, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.analyticsinsight.net\/tech-news\/top-augmented-reality-apps-for-learning-in-2024\">augmented reality apps to make learning more visual and interactive<\/a>. Even <a href=\"https:\/\/dinotechno.com\/best-word-prediction-software\/\">word prediction software<\/a> can make a big difference, helping each child get the support they need to fully participate in school.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162154_www.especialneeds.com_.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?sa=i&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rehabmart.com%2Fproduct%2Ftheradapt-tray-easel-17384.html%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoridOUWjYO5ljuy9erY7amVSMBITHIrIINSGEZ5K_eUIehqTBej&amp;psig=AOvVaw3YufUYlIPcc8R1ByZCDrEF&amp;ust=1758395085054000&amp;source=images&amp;cd=vfe&amp;opi=89978449&amp;ved=0CBkQjhxqFwoTCOCYlqXC5Y8DFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162154_www.especialneeds.com_.jpeg\" alt=\"Adaptive Tray Easel that is used with mobility devices.\" class=\"wp-image-5935\" width=\"329\" height=\"325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162154_www.especialneeds.com_.jpeg 590w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162154_www.especialneeds.com_-300x296.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot_18-9-2025_162154_www.especialneeds.com_-50x50.jpeg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 329px) 100vw, 329px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>By including AT in educational planning, IDEA helps students participate fully in the classroom and achieve greater independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IDEA Resources and More!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.parentcenterhub.org\/idea\/\">Center for Parent Information &amp; Resources IDEA <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.ed.gov\/idea\/\">U.S. Department of Education IDEA<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This blog is the second in a three-part series based on the recent webinar presentation \u201cYour Future, Your Tools: AT for the Road Ahead.\u201d The segment, titled \u201cDifferences Between IDEA\/504 (K\u201312) and ADA Protections,\u201d was presented by Jan Garrett, Deputy Director of ADA Programs at the Pacific ADA Center. The series explores how key disability&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":5939,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[9,94,5,250,251,244,235],"class_list":["post-5908","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-at-advocacy","tag-advocacy","tag-education","tag-independence","tag-resources","tag-school","tag-student","tag-support"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5908","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5908"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5908\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5964,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5908\/revisions\/5964"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5908"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5908"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5908"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}