Legal Definitions - free appropriate public education

Free appropriate public education (FAPE) is a legal requirement that guarantees special education rights for children with disabilities. This means that schools must provide special education services to children with disabilities at no cost to their families. Disabilities can include both learning and thinking differences.

In order to qualify for special education services, a child must have a "covered" disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and that disability must be severe enough to require special education services. Once a child is qualified, FAPE requires schools to provide:

• Special education for the child's specific needs
• Related services (such as transportation)
• Accommodations (such as audiobooks)
• An Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Teaching in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

For example, if a child has dyslexia, they may qualify for special education services under FAPE. The school would then be required to provide the child with accommodations such as audiobooks and specialized reading instruction, as well as related services such as transportation to and from school. The child would also have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines their specific needs and goals, and they would be taught in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), which means they would be included in general education classes as much as possible.