When was Public Law 94-142 passed?

Public Law 94-142, also known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, was passed in 1975. This landmark legislation ensured that children with disabilities had the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and set the foundation for special education in the United States.

This law mandated that public schools accommodate the educational needs of children with disabilities, promoting inclusion in mainstream classrooms to the greatest extent possible. The significance of this law cannot be overstated, as it initiated reforms that improved opportunities for children with disabilities nationwide and laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which expanded and revised the provisions of Public Law 94-142 in later years.

Understanding the historical context of this legislation is crucial, as it reflects a significant shift in societal attitudes toward education and inclusion for children with special needs.