What does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensure for eligible children?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) focuses on ensuring that eligible children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This means that schools are required to provide specific services and accommodations tailored to each child’s individual needs at no cost to the family. The act emphasizes that education should be equally accessible to students with disabilities and that they should receive personalized support to thrive within educational settings.

IDEA also stipulates that this education should be delivered in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), which encourages the integration of students with disabilities into regular educational settings when appropriate. However, the primary aim of IDEA is to guarantee access to a free and appropriate education that meets those children's unique requirements.

Other options, such as mandatory participation in sports programs or equitable funding for all schools, do not accurately represent the specific provisions or focus of IDEA. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential role of the act in providing educational access and support tailored to individuals with disabilities.