
Navigating the school system with a child who has a disability can be daunting — even for parents who consider themselves seasoned veterans after years of pushing for accommodations and services.
Federal law guarantees that all children in the U.S. receive a “free appropriate public education” under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. That means educational services and support, including evaluations to determine whether a child has a disability, do not cost parents anything. It is designed specifically for a child from preschool through 12th grade, with instruction outlined in an individualized education program.