Those who qualify for public education services under IDEA are between the ages of 3 and 21, and have at least one of thirteen disabilities described, including mental retardation.
One of the rights guaranteed by IDEA is the right to thorough and appropriate screening and evaluation of needs, at the expense of the local school district. Students who are found to have individualized needs will be rescreened and evaluated a minimum of once every three years after initial testing is complete.
Students whose testing demonstrates specific and individual needs have the right to individualized learning accommodations. The school district is responsible for creating and implementing an IEP, or Individualized Educational Plan, which should be reviewed and updated to meet student needs annually.
Students who qualify for IEP services also qualify for guaranteed transportation to and from school.
Students who qualify for an IEP also qualify for protection under "stay put" regulations, which will not allow suspension for more than 10 days without review.