Signed into U.S. law on this date, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a U.S. federal law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. It guarantees special education and related services to eligible children, aiming to provide them with a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs.

Enacted in 1975 and amended multiple times, IDEA emphasizes the importance of individualized education programs (IEPs), early intervention, and least restrictive environments (LRE) to support the academic and social development of children with disabilities. The act also includes provisions for parental involvement and procedural safeguards to protect the rights of children and their families.