Final answer:
The legislative mandate for the provision of special education services in an integrated setting for eligible individuals with disabilities is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which includes the creation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Step-by-step explanation:
According to class discussion and posted materials, the legislative mandate for the provision of services for individuals deemed eligible for special education and residential services due to a disability in the most integrated and typical placement or situation is called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The IDEA, originally passed as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975 and later renamed, ensures that children with disabilities are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. This legislation was significant in establishing the right to education for children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE), ensuring they are placed in as typical a setting as possible, based on individual capabilities. Furthermore, the IDEA mandates that an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed in collaboration with parents and educators, outlining the specific special education and services the child requires. The primary goal of both IDEA and the IEP process is to ensure that students with disabilities receive an education that is as close as possible to that provided to their non-disabled peers.