The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law in the United States that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. This law mandates that schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, allowing them to access the same educational opportunities as their peers. IDEA emphasizes the importance of inclusion, requiring that students with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment possible. This means they should spend as much time as possible learning alongside their non-disabled classmates, promoting social interaction and academic growth for all students.