IDEA refers to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. H.R. 5 became Public Law 105-17 when the bill was signed by President Bill Clinton on June 4, 1997. The original IDEA was implemented in 1975. The new IDEA legislation is an attempt to remedy problems that contribute to the barriers children with disabilities face.

The intention of IDEA is to "level the playing field" for all children.