Feds: Least Restrictive Environment Applies To Transition Too

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Feds: Least Restrictive Environment Applies To Transition Too

Informal guidance issued recently from the U.S. Department of Education indicates that the requirement in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, that students be placed in the “least restrictive environment”

extends beyond the confines of the classroom. Specifically, the concept should apply to work placements if such experiences are part of a student’s individualized education program, or IEP, officials at the Education Department said.

“Placement decisions, including those related to transition services (including work placements), must be based on these (least restrictive environment) principles and made by the IEP team,” wrote Melody Musgrove, director

of the Office of Special Education Programs at the Department of Education. “The IDEA does not prohibit segregated employment, but the (least restrictive environment) provisions would apply equally to the employment portion of the student’s program and placement.”

See Melody Musgrove’s letter attached.

1 of 1 File(s)

OSEP LRE and Transition.pdf