New IDEA Act

This bill, known as the "New IDEA Act," significantly amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to update and clarify definitions of disabilities. It expands the definitions of "language impairments" to include developmental language disorder and "autism" to encompass spectrum disorders , while also providing explicit and detailed definitions for dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia as specific learning disabilities. The legislation further clarifies that learning problems primarily resulting from factors like a lack of appropriate instruction or limited English proficiency are not considered specific learning disabilities. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section mandating that local educational agencies provide equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible children. This includes specific provisions to ensure equitable access for children living in low-income households and those with limited proficiency in English.