Which organization mandates that all children with disabilities be identified and evaluated across U.S. states?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the organization that mandates all children with disabilities be identified and evaluated across U.S. states. This federal law ensures that children with disabilities have access to free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. IDEA requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities to provide them with the necessary services and supports tailored to their individual needs. By stipulating these requirements, IDEA plays a critical role in the early intervention and educational services for children with disabilities, making sure they receive the support they deserve to thrive in academic settings.

Other organizations listed have important roles but do not have the same legal requirements as IDEA. The Department of Education oversees the implementation of IDEA but does not directly mandate the identification and evaluation process. The American Disabilities Association focuses on advocacy but is not a regulatory body. The National Association for the Deaf primarily advocates for the rights and needs of deaf individuals and does not have jurisdiction over the broader educational mandates established for all children with disabilities.