The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is an expansive federal law that covers eligible students with disabilities and ensures that they have an opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education. Under IDEA, the following 13 categories qualify students for special education services:
- Autism
- Deaf/blind
- Hearing impairment
- Visual impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment
- Serious emotional disturbance
- Specific learning disability
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Developmental delay
IDEA guarantees the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and related services to every disabled student between the ages of 3 and 21. The FAPE must meet the state of Nevada’s educational standards and must be made in conformity with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
