Which statute is designed to prevent disability-based discrimination in education settings?

• A. Americans with Disabilities Act
• B. Rehabilitation Act
• C. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• D. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Answer: (C)

Focusing on protecting students with disabilities in the school setting, this statute requires that eligible students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education and mandates an Individualized Education Program, with placement in the Least Restrictive Environment. By codifying these services and supports, it ensures students aren’t denied education or placed at a disadvantage because of a disability. While other laws also protect rights—such as prohibiting disability discrimination in federally funded programs or broad civil rights protections, and privacy protections for student records—this statute specifically governs the provision of special education services and access to education, making it the most direct tool for preventing disability-based discrimination in education.