Which act outlines rights and regulations for students with disabilities in the U.S.?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law that specifically outlines the rights and regulations for students with disabilities in the U.S. This act ensures that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. It requires schools to create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students, ensuring that they have access to the necessary resources and supports to succeed in an educational environment.

Furthermore, IDEA emphasizes the education of students in the least restrictive environment (LRE), advocating that students with disabilities should have the opportunity to learn alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible. The framework established by IDEA has significantly shaped educational practices and policies concerning the inclusion and support of students with disabilities across schools in the United States.

The other acts mentioned, while important in their own right, do not specifically address education in the same comprehensive manner as IDEA. For instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act focuses primarily on anti-discrimination policies and accessibility in public spaces, while the Rehabilitation Act addresses vocational rehabilitation services. Meanwhile, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which is an earlier version of IDEA, was reauthorized and renamed to reflect a more inclusive and supportive educational structure for students with disabilities.