Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is a term used in the context of special education and disabilities. FAPE is a right guaranteed to children with disabilities and their families under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This legal term ensures that all children with disabilities receive the same educational opportunities as those without disabilities, regardless of financial means.
The Legal Meaning of Free Appropriate Public Education
The IDEA defines FAPE as “special education and related services that: are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge; meet the Standards of the State Educational Agency (SEA); include an appropriate preschool, elementary school, or secondary school education in the State involved; and are provided in conformity with the individualized education program (IEP) required by the Act, which includes the programs, services, and supports that are individualized to meet the unique needs of the student with a disability.
The Role of IEPs in FAPE
Under the IDEA, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created to ensure that FAPE is given to each student with a disability. The IEP is created for each student and tailored specifically to their individual needs. It outlines the individualized services, programs, and supports that will give the student access to the same educational opportunities as those without disabilities.
FAPE in the Modern Educational Landscape
In today’s society, ensuring FAPE is an increasingly important component of providing an equitable education to all children. As technology and education evolve, FAPE is also evolving. Technology can be used to provide students with disabilities greater access to the curriculum and enable them to meaningfully participate in an education environment. Additionally, as more states are passing laws that allow students with disabilities to fully participate in educational activities, such as online learning, FAPE is becoming increasingly important in ensuring students with disabilities have equitable access to these opportunities.
Conclusion
FAPE is a fundamental right under the IDEA that guarantees all children with disabilities the same educational opportunities as those without disabilities. Through tailored IEPs and evolving technology, FAPE provides students with disabilities, regardless of financial means, the same educational opportunities and experiences as those without disabilities.