Brighton Center’s mission aligns perfectly with the principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA is a landmark federal law that revolutionized educational opportunities for children with disabilities. Brighton’s latest educational video, “The IDEA,” explains what this Act is. Furthermore, the video explains how Brighton Center helps families navigate these important protections.
What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
IDEA is a federal law passed by Congress approximately 50 years ago. The law ensures children with disabilities have access to free, appropriate public education, special education services, and related support. Before this legislation, many children with disabilities were denied educational opportunities.
Alejandro Martinez, a Brighton SESS Consultant and the presenter of this video, says, “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act declares that disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society.” It aims to improve educational outcomes for children with disabilities as an essential element of national policy supporting equality, participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
The Six Core Principles of IDEA
In the video, Alejandro reviews the six fundamental principles IDEA is built upon. State and local school districts must follow these fundamental principles to receive federal funding. These are:
- Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Every eligible child with disabilities has the right to free public education, including specialized services tailored to their needs.
- Appropriate Evaluation: Students must receive comprehensive evaluations before special education services begin to determine eligibility and identify specific educational needs. Parents must provide written consent for these evaluations.
- Individualized Education Program (IEP): Each eligible student must have a written education plan specifically designed to address their unique needs, establish measurable goals, and identify necessary services and supports.
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Children with disabilities should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, with supplementary aids and services to support their inclusion.
- Parent and Student Participation: Parents have the right to participate in all evaluation, identification, and educational placement meetings. Students are invited to participate in decision-making as appropriate, especially when planning transitions from middle or high school.
- Procedural Safeguards: Special rules ensure the rights of children with disabilities and their parents receive protection. Schools must provide families with information about these rights and protections.
Early Intervention and Part C of IDEA
While the video primarily discusses Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (which covers children ages 3-21), Brighton Center also provides services under Part C. Part C focuses on early childhood intervention (ECI) services for infants and toddlers (birth through age 3) with disabilities or developmental delays.
Brighton’s SESS Services
The Special Education Support Services (SESS) team at Brighton Center helps families understand their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The team also helps families navigate the special education process and access appropriate services for their children. Specifically, our approach includes:
- Supporting families in understanding and advocating for services outlined in the six principles
- Providing pre- and post-Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting support
- Offering special education consultation services
- Providing educational resources, including videos explaining the special education process
- Empowering caregivers to become effective advocates for their children
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brighton Center’s role in supporting families under IDEA?▶
Brighton Center helps families understand their rights, prepare for ARD meetings, review evaluations, and advocate for needed services through one-on-one consultations.
Can Brighton attend ARD meetings with parents?▶
Yes. Brighton’s SESS Consultants can attend ARD meetings to support and guide families during the special education planning process.
What are related services under IDEA?▶
Related services include support like speech therapy, occupational therapy, transportation, and counseling—anything needed for your child to benefit from special education.
How can Brighton help if I feel overwhelmed by the special education process?▶
Brighton provides one-on-one consultations, document reviews, meeting preparation, and emotional support to help you feel confident advocating for your child.
Brighton Center’s SESS team provides one-on-one counseling to help parents of children aged 3-8 understand and access special education and support services for their child within the public school system. Our Consultants review evaluations and individual education plans and can attend ARD meetings with you. Learn more about Brighton and our early childhood and special education support services by visiting our Special Education Library. Click here to let us know how we can help put your child on the road to academic success.
