A more thorough explanation:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that was passed in 1997 to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to an appropriate public education that meets their needs. The IDEA guarantees that this education is free and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Before the IDEA, many disabled children were placed in segregated classrooms without any specific measures to address their unique needs. The IDEA was created to address this issue and provide a structure for administering and carrying out the terms of the Act.

The IDEA establishes the Office of Special Education Programs, which is responsible for ensuring that all disabled children receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This includes an evaluation of their disability to determine the best support possible. The Act also requires the creation of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each disabled child, which outlines specific actions to address their needs.

Overall, the IDEA sets guidelines for national activities to improve the education of children with disabilities and ensure that they have equal access to education.

An example of how the IDEA works is a child with a learning disability who is struggling in a traditional classroom setting. Under the IDEA, the child would be evaluated to determine the best support possible, which may include additional resources such as a tutor or specialized instruction. An IEP would be created to outline specific actions to address the child's needs and ensure that they receive a free and appropriate public education.