Left Behind With No "Idea": Children With Disabilities Without Means

Abstract

This Article examines the changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA"), which were intended to reconcile the Act with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and the effect those changes have had on the education of children with disabilities. The Article highlights the important role that parents were given in the original IDEA and the procedures set up to protect that role. It then looks at the manner in which the 2004 amendments to the law and certain U.S. Supreme Court cases have undermined the ability of parents to influence the individualized education plan for their children with disabilities, especially for parents with less financial means. Finally, this Article suggests alterations to the IDEA that would strengthen the role of parents in the education of children with disabilities.