How did the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) change the way parents were able to support their children with special needs?

• A. It limited the types of educational accommodations available to children with special needs.
• B. It gave parents legal rights to participate in the development of their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• C. It required parents to pay for all special education services out of pocket.
• D. It removed parents from the decision-making process regarding their child's education.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context before IDEA: Parents of children with special needs had limited involvement and legal rights in the educational planning for their children.
2. Recognize that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was designed to protect the rights of children with disabilities and their families, ensuring access to appropriate education.
3. Focus on the key provision of IDEA that grants parents specific legal rights, including the right to participate actively in the development of their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
4. Note that the IEP is a customized educational plan tailored to meet the unique needs of the child, and parental involvement is crucial in shaping this plan.
5. Conclude that IDEA empowered parents by involving them in decision-making, rather than limiting accommodations, requiring out-of-pocket payments, or excluding them from the process.