Volume 56, Program 23
12/1/2004 Original airdate: July 2, 2003
Is there equal protection under the law for home educated children with disabilities? Michael Farris, Chairman of HSLDA's Board of Directors, discusses the current status of special education assistance for home educators on today's Home School Heartbeat.
Michael Farris:
By federal law, all children with special needs are entitled to federally-funded related services and equipment. We think that when this is properly interpreted it includes children whose parents have chosen to provide the core educational program by themselves at home.
This law is called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. This measure is meant to guarantee that eligible students receive special education services and related services that might benefit their overall education. These special ed services are intended to help eligible students regardless of where their educational programs are offered.
Despite these broad general provisions, currently under IDEA, if you live in a state where homeschools operate as private schools, you can in fact get special education services for your child. However, if you live in a state where homeschools are considered as their own category of education, your child cannot receive those services.
HSLDA continues to work to correct this discriminating language in IDEA, so that, in the words of President Bush, "No child will be left behind." I'm Mike Farris.
Homeschooling may be the best way to meet most special learning needs. Order a copy of Homeschooling Your Special Needs Child from our website at http://www.homeschoolheartbeat.com. Or call us toll-free at 866-338-8614.
What's involved in homeschooling a special needs child? Our brochure details the steps to protecting your homeschool, addresses commonly asked questions, and includes a list of national organizations serving families with special needs children.
