FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. It is a legal right guaranteed to all students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
In Pennsylvania, FAPE means that all students with disabilities must be provided with an education that is:
Free of charge
Appropriate to their individual needs
Provided in the least restrictive environment
The least restrictive environment (LRE) means that students with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent possible. However, if a student's needs cannot be met in the general education classroom, they may be placed in a more restrictive setting, such as a special education classroom or a separate school.
The specific services and supports that a student with a disability needs to receive FAPE will vary depending on the individual student's needs. However, some common services and supports that may be included in a FAPE plan include:
Special education instruction
Related services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy
Assistive technology
Modifications to the curriculum
Accommodations on tests
Behavior intervention
The FAPE process begins with an evaluation to determine if a student is eligible for special education services. If the student is eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team will develop an IEP that outlines the specific services and supports that the student will need to receive FAPE. The IEP must be reviewed and updated annually, or more often if necessary.
If you think your child may need FAPE, you should contact your school district to start the process.