Some children encounter difficulties in school, varying from problems with concentration, perception, learning and language to problems with behavior and/or peer interrelations. These difficulties may be due to one or more of the following: physical defects, psychiatric deviations, emotional insanity, behavioral problems, and learning disorders or disabilities.
Usually students with special needs are expected to get special services or convenience by way of the public schools. Every child can receive a free and appropriate education in the least inhibitory environment according to Federal law. Children with special needs are also empowered to receive extra services.
In order to maintain ability of children with special needs to learn in school, Federal laws are applied:
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Among states, there are diverse criteria for acceptability, services available, procedures for execution the Federal laws, and procedural protections. It is important for parents to be well informed about these laws and regulations in their specific area.
 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 is a federal law that rules all special education services for children in the USA. To be eligible for special education, according to IDEA, children must be ranked among one of the following categories: learning disabilities, mental retardation, serious emotional illness, autism, traumatic brain injury, hearing impairment, vision disturbance, physical disabilities, and other health impairments.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) attach IDEA closely to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), orders "increased accountability for States, school districts, and schools; greater choice for parents and students, particularly those attending low-performing schools; more flexibility for States and local educational agencies (LEAs) in the use of Federal education dollars; and a stronger emphasis on reading, especially for our youngest children."
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 0f 1973 is a civil rights decree, requiring the absence of discrimination children with disabilities in schools and affording expedient accommodations to them. It includes all programs or measures, whether public or private, that fulfill at the expense of federal financial aid. Reasonable accommodations comprise untimed tests, sitting in front of the classroom, customized homework, and supplying with necessary services. Normally, children protected by Section 504 either have mitigated disabilities in contrast to those been under protection of IDEA or have disabilities that do not fit with the eligibility categories of IDEA. According to section 504, everyone who has an impairment that considerably limits a vital activity is considered disabled. The list of major life activities implies learning and social development.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all educational institutions, excluding those controlled by religious organizations, to satisfy the needs of children with psychiatric deviations. The ADA precludes the rejection of educational services, programs or procedures to students with disabilities and prevents discrimination against all students of this kind.
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