Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (or IDEA)

Children with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder are covered under the law titled Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (or IDEA). This law ensures individuals receive a free and appropriate education from any public school system across the nation. It helps to ensure children receive special education and any supportive services they need. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, many parents are left wondering how IDEA is affected by the COVID pandemic and if their children with disabilities are still entitled to receive a free and appropriate education from their local school.

Although school closures do not specifically identify if services are to be available to students with disabilities, if a school experiences extended closure it does indicate that once schools resume, every effort must be made to provide special education and support services in accordance with an individual’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Now, if the school continues to provide education to their general students during a school closure, the school must ensure students with disabilities continue to have equal access to the same opportunities for education. So, again if a student has an IEP they continue to be entitled to an education and services as indicated in their IEP.

As we continue to move through this era of the COVID pandemic, parents can rest assured that their children with autism or other disabilities are still protected under IDEA, and continue to be deserving of a Free and Appropriate Education along with their supportive services.

Reference: Question and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak (March 2020)

Carrine Pilkington, M.S., BCBA, LMFT, LBA
Regional Clinical Director
Tuesday, March 23, 2021