APPENDIX O

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Terminology A child with a disability is defined in IDEA as a child with at least one of ten specifically defined physical, emotional, learning or cognitive disabilities and who, by reason of the condition, needs “special education” and “related services.” At the discretion of the state, the definition may also include children ages three through nine or any subset of that age range, which are experiencing developmental delays. Special Education is specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. A child with a disability is entitled to FAPE, a free appropriate public education. That public education should be provided in the LRE, the least restrictive environment. The term FAPE is defined in pre-K through secondary school special education as related services that are provided at public expense, without charge to the parent, under public supervision and direction; meeting the state's educational standards; and addressing the individualized educational needs of the student. IDEA's least restrictive environment directive requires the inclusion of children with disabilities, in the general education program to the maximum extent appropriate. An LEA, local education agency, is responsible for the identification and evaluation of children with disabilities and for the provision of FAPE to children found to be eligible for special education and related services.