Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

A landmark federal law renamed in 1997, but originally passed as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. In exchange for federal money, schools must guarantee that all children with disabilities receive a "free, appropriate public education." Different portions of the law cover children from birth to age 21. The law has been amended several times but originally addressed children with disabilities who were kept out of the public schools, and taught either at home or institutions.