Which federal law mandates accessibility in education for students with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that specifically mandates accessibility in education for students with disabilities. This law ensures that students who qualify for special education services receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) that meets their unique needs. IDEA emphasizes the importance of providing individualized education plans (IEPs) that outline the specific accommodations and services a student requires to succeed in the educational environment.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act indeed have provisions related to accessibility and prohibit discrimination based on disability, they do not focus as specifically on educational access and provisions as IDEA does. The ADA provides broad anti-discrimination protections in various areas, including employment and public services, but it is IDEA that lays out the specific rights and educational supports for students with disabilities.

Similarly, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) primarily addresses K-12 education accountability and standards, while also ensuring that students receive access to quality education. However, it does not specifically mandate accessibility in the same way as IDEA, making it less relevant to the question of educational access for students with disabilities.

Thus, IDEA is uniquely positioned as the law primarily responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the education they deserve.