IDEA stands for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It is a federal law in the United States that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment possible.

IDEA outlines the requirements for providing special education services to eligible students, including the identification, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities, the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and the provision of related services such as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.

IDEA also includes provisions for parent involvement in the special education process, due process rights for families, and the provision of assistive technology and accommodations to support students with disabilities in accessing the general education curriculum.

IDEA is an important piece of legislation that helps to ensure that students with disabilities receive the education and support they need to reach their full potential.