Final answer:
According to IDEA, speech/language impairment refers to a communication disorder that affects a student's ability to speak, understand, or use language effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), speech/language impairment refers to a communication disorder that adversely affects a student's ability to speak, understand, or use language effectively. It can involve difficulties with articulation, voice, fluency, or language comprehension. For example, a student with a speech impairment may have problems pronouncing certain sounds, while a student with a language impairment may struggle to express their thoughts or understand others.