Funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Position Statement

Overview & Synopsis

As advocates for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) believes fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is integral to ensuring a strong public education system that can deliver on the promise of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) as guaranteed by IDEA. Infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities must receive the equal access and opportunity to services and supports they need so each individual can attain their highest level of education, employment, and life success. Full implementation of the IDEA, as the preeminent education law for special education, is critical to the achievement of this goal. Thus, CEC advocates for fully and robustly funding every part of the law.