Today and Tuesday, Congressional Quarterly reports, the Senate will consider S717 to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

CNN: AllPolitics E-Wire

Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), children with special needs can access a free, appropriate education.

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The money would go to a federal program for special needs children called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Bush said.

CNN: Bush calls education 'civil rights issue of our time'

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that a child with a disability is able to receive special education and other services.

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Under the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, states cannot cut existing services to special needs students, even if federal funding bottoms out.

FORBES: Sequester To Slam Poor And Special Needs Students

Some of the bright spots include increasing the funding for the Early Intervention Part C program for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

FORBES: How Can I Get Involved in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March?

Federal regulations enacted under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act require schools to develop individualized education programs (IEP) for children who are classified as students with disabilities.

FORBES: Set an Education Course for a Child with Special Needs

There is a precedent of sorts set by the Supreme Court-approved Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, under which schools that don't provide disabled students with an "appropriate" education are required to pay their tuition in private schools.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

As we observe the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act this year, my Administration reaffirms our national commitment to creating access to employment, education, and social, political, and economic opportunities for Americans with disabilities.

WHITEHOUSE: Presidential Proclamation--White Cane Safety Day