LEAST-RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT

least-restrictive environment.Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the school setting that, to the greatest extent appropriate, educates a disabled child together with children who are not disabled. 20 USCA § 1412(5). — Also termed least-restrictive-educational environment. Cf. MAINSTREAMING. [Cases: Schools  148(2). C.J.S. Schools and School Districts §§ 700–702, 717, 719.]