What Does FAPE Require a School to Do?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that children with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), which is one of the most crucial legal protections available to your child. The following is what FAPE requires your child’s school to do:

• Offer specialized education tailored to the child’s unique needs. This involves specially designed instruction.

• Provide related services to enhance the child’s special education. These services may include speech therapy, counseling, or transportation.

• Ensure that these services are provided at no cost to parents or caregivers.

• Implement accommodations and modifications to help children engage with the general education curriculum. 

• Develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This written plan outlines the child’s special education experience, including services, progress monitoring, annual goals, and more, as required by law.

• Educate children in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Whenever possible, children with IEPs should be integrated with their peers. Separate classes are only used when necessary to address their specific needs.

Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.

Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law matters in New York as well.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.