History of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

On November 29, 1975, our president Gerald Ford signed the law the education for All

Handicapped Children Act. Now known as the individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This

allows public schools to open their doors to individuals with disabilities. “ensuring that children

with disabilities have opportunities to develop their talents, share their gifts, and contribute to

their communities.”

It’s important that every child no matter if they have special help or not has an

opportunity to have a free education. Before the IDEA act was put into place, 1 out of 5 children

were accepted into a public-school system. Many states had laws and rules about allowing

children with certain kinds of disabilities to attend public schools. Many children lived in

institutions and they didn’t receive an education or vary little education. Now according to

nea.org “special educations programs has risen 30 percent”.

“IDEA / Special Education.” NEA, 24 Sept. 2017, www.nea.org/home/16348.htm.

“Menu.” Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 24 Sept. 2017, sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/.