Education for the Handicapped Act

The Education for the Handicapped Act, enacted in 1975, was a key law that ensured students with disabilities received free, appropriate public education tailored to their needs. It established rights for students with disabilities to access education alongside their peers and mandated specialized services and support. The law aimed to promote equal educational opportunities, encourage inclusive practices, and help students with disabilities develop skills essential for independence and participation in society. Over time, it has been revised and renamed, most recently as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), continuing its commitment to supporting students with disabilities.