A comparison of the six principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of the United States and the Persons with Disability Act of Ghana

Samad Dimbie Mumuni, Tennessee State University

Abstract

This study compared the six principles of IDEIA of the United States and the Persons with Disability Act of Ghana with the view to determining their similarities and differences. Recommendations were made with the ultimate aim of exploring the need for change in the special education delivery systems in the United States and Ghana. The comparative framework involves Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and the Persons with Disability Act (PWDA). Due to the limitations of the Persons with Disability Act, the Special Education Needs Framework of Ghana is employed to complement and give a deeper meaning to the Persons with Disability Act. The qualitative research design approach was used in this study, and the content analysis technique used during the comparative analysis process. The results showed that in principle, IDEIA and the PWDA are similar with regard to the right of children with disabilities to a free and appropriate education, a free evaluation for the purposes of determining eligibility for special education and related services, an individualized education, and varying educational placements for children with disabilities. IDEIA and the PWDA however differ in that IDEIA protects the rights of children with disabilities and their parents through the procedural due process provision, while the PWDA does not have such a provision in the law. Recommendations are made with the view to bringing about exploring the need for change in the delivery of special education and related services in the United States and Ghana.

Subject Area

Education Policy|School administration|Curriculum development

Recommended Citation

Samad Dimbie Mumuni, "A comparison of the six principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of the United States and the Persons with Disability Act of Ghana" (2010). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI3404189.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3404189

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