Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Juliet E. Hart

In 1975, Congress enacted landmark federal legislation that changed the face of educational history for students with disabilities. Originally passed as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, this law was amended in 1990 to become the Americans with Disabilities Education Act. The most current reauthorization is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. Echoing society's concern regarding equitable treatment of individuals with disabilities, this law mandates that all children and youth with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education, regardless of the nature or severity of the identified cognitive, emotional, or physical impairment. Coupled with related early childhood legislation passed in 1986 in the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments, these laws require public school systems to both identify and provide related services (e.g., special transportation, counseling, and physical therapy) for children with disabilities ages three to twenty-one. IDEA is directed primarily at states, and ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.