K-12 Rights and Responsibilities

Students with disabilities, who are eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in preschool through high school, are guaranteed a free and appropriate education in the the least restrictive environment in the public schools. Public schools have the responsibility to ensure that eligible students are identified and provided with appropriate educational supports and services. Students with disabilities have the right to receive specially designed instruction and accommodations to help them access and participate in the general education curriculum and benefit from their educational program. Other students with disabilities who are not eligible under IDEA may be provided with equal access and accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act. This section of AccessSTEM describes legal issues and the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, educators, and school districts related to students with disabilities in K-12 educational programs.