Free Appropriate Public Education in Texas

In Texas, the concept of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) ensures that all students with disabilities have access to public education at no cost to their families. This provision is in line with federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. FAPE guarantees that students with disabilities receive individualized educational services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Key aspects of FAPE in Texas include:

Eligibility: Students between the ages of 3 and 21 who have been identified with disabilities are entitled to FAPE. Eligibility is determined through evaluations conducted by a team of professionals, resulting in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for younger children.

Service Provision: Services provided under FAPE include special education and related services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological services. These services must be provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE), meaning students should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.