Education and Higher Education

IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth through 2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B. It is easy to think of IDEA as a law that only impacts teachers and students, but in fact professionals from a variety of disciplines are impacted as related service providers within education plans and as part of care communities that serve school-age children.

• Action Step: Educate and support your members of Congress about policies and practices that support inclusive education for students in K-12 and higher education settings. Encourage language to address the needs of learners with disabilities within all education legislation.

Higher Education Act

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (P.L. 110-315) (HEOA) was enacted on August 14, 2008 and it reauthorized the Higher Education Act of 1965. This law contains a number of important new provisions that will improve access to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. Of particular note are several provisions that address financial aid and that create a new model demonstration program and coordinating center for students with intellectual disabilities.

• Action Step: Feel free to use this template, and modify it to your Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) program as a tool to educate and support your members of Congress about policies and practices that support inclusive access to post secondary education.