The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines special education as: "Specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability."
 

Special education ensures that the unique needs of students with disabilities are met through additional services, supports, programs, specialized placements, or environments. Special education services are provided to eligible students at no cost to families. The core purpose of special education is to provide specially designed instruction and intervention, as well as to give students with disabilities access to the same educational programs and/or activities that are available to their non disabled peers (LAUSD, 2015).

IEP vs. 504 Differences Link