Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 1997
(PL 105-17):

What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law designed to ensure that all students receive a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) in the "least restrictive environment" (LRE). Federal funding is provided to states that submit a state plan to the federal government to assist in providing special education classes and supplemental aids and services.

Who is covered by this law?
The Act is divided into separate sections (called parts) that address the various age groups. Part C covers preschool children from birth to 3 years of age. Part B covers students from 3 to 21 years of age.

How does the school system provide service for students under this law?
At the public's expense and at no cost to parents, a child who is in need of special education, related services, or supplemental aids and services, is entitled to such programming. Special education is specially-designed instruction to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Related services are those that may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.

These provisions include the school system's obligation to identify, assess, and educate children with disabilities. Educating a child who has a disability involves the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for that child.

The Part C (Early Intervention) program of the Act is administered in Georgia by the Babies Can't Wait program. An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed for those children receiving services from birth until their 3rd birthday. The services provided are those that will assist the child in development and preparation for the educational process.

What services are covered under IDEA?
The amendments of 1997 now require that assistive technology be considered in planning each IEP. Generally, the school system must provide for any service or equipment that is necessary for the student to receive the most appropriate education for that child. Over the past decade, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has written policy letters which are used as general guidance for what is and is not appropriate for the school system to provide.