Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHCA)

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHCA), enacted in 1975, aimed to guarantee that children with disabilities receive free, appropriate public education just like other children. It requires schools to provide special services and accommodations tailored to each child's needs to support their learning and development. This law emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that children with various disabilities have equal access to education and can participate fully. Over time, it has been renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), reinforcing the commitment to free, appropriate, and individualized education for students with disabilities.