What Does FAPE Mean?
FAPE is an abbreviation for Free Appropriate Public Education. FAPE prevents exclusion from a program or activity on the sole basis of disability. It ensures that all children have equal access to publicly funded programing.
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Definition
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FAPE is a requirement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which, according to the U.S. Department of Education, "protects rights of individuals with disabilities" in federally funded programs. FAPE ensures that publicly funded services meet specific Department of Education standards as well as requirements of IDEA 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004. A child who is entitled to FAPE is provided with an appropriate educational program that will accommodate his unique requirements.
What is Appropriate Education?
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Appropriate education refers to instruction that is specially designed to meet the student's individual academic and functional needs. As Raising Special Kids states, appropriate education enables a child with a disability "to receive educational benefits." Appropriate education is a basic right of all children, despite presence of a mental or physical disability.
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Who is Entitled?
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According to the U.S. Department of Education, any child of school age who is disabled "as defined by Section 504 and IDEA" is entitled to Free Appropriate Public Education. Entitled children are guaranteed that there will be no charge applied to the program or service, except for charges that apply to all students. Additionally, FAPE entitles children with disabilities to be taught alongside and interact with non-disabled children, unless the needs of the disabled student cannot be met in such a setting.
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