Which educational right is guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and IDEA?

Which educational right is guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and IDEA?

• A. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• B. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• C. Transition Plans
• D. Stay Put Rights

Answer: (B)

Free Appropriate Public Education is the educational right guaranteed by both laws. IDEA explicitly ensures that eligible students with disabilities receive special education and related services at public expense, tailored to the individual’s needs and designed to enable progress in the general curriculum. The services are provided through an individualized education program and, to the greatest extent appropriate, in the least restrictive environment. The Rehabilitation Act supports this guarantee by prohibiting discrimination against students with disabilities in programs that receive federal funds and by requiring reasonable accommodations so these students can participate and access education. Other options describe important IDEA components—like including students in the general environment (least restrictive environment), planning for transitions, or protections during disputes—but they are specific provisions, not the broad educational right that both laws jointly safeguard.

Free Appropriate Public Education is the educational right guaranteed by both laws. IDEA explicitly ensures that eligible students with disabilities receive special education and related services at public expense, tailored to the individual’s needs and designed to enable progress in the general curriculum. The services are provided through an individualized education program and, to the greatest extent appropriate, in the least restrictive environment. The Rehabilitation Act supports this guarantee by prohibiting discrimination against students with disabilities in programs that receive federal funds and by requiring reasonable accommodations so these students can participate and access education. Other options describe important IDEA components—like including students in the general environment (least restrictive environment), planning for transitions, or protections during disputes—but they are specific provisions, not the broad educational right that both laws jointly safeguard.