Presented By: Anna Diane Asia Sylvia Public Law 94-142 Presented By: Anna Diane Asia Sylvia

Education for All Handicapped Children Act Public Law 94-142 Education for All Handicapped Children Act

Life before Public Law 94-142 “In 1970, U.S. schools educated ONLY one in five children with disabilities, and many states had laws EXCLUDING certain students, including children who were, deaf, blind, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded.” “Too often, person’s with disabilities …were merely accommodated rather than assessed, educated, and rehabilitated.” http://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/leg/idea/history.html Those children who were excluded from schools, were often thrown into institutions with minimal food, clothing or proper care.

Public Law 94-142 was put into effect in 1975. Important Dates In the 1950’s and 1960’s the U.S. started to see a strong support and advocacy for children with disabilities and their families. By 1968 the federal government had already supported, training for special education teachers, and started captioning films for people who were deaf. Public Law 94-142 was put into effect in 1975.

Who was Responsible for Passing this Law?  President Gerald Ford was responsible for passing this law PL-94-142 on November 1975. It actually went into effect on September 1, 1975. State, federal legislation and local educational agencies have a responsibility to provide education for all handicapped children. This law PL-94-142 has served as a tool for the government in order to provide improved and equalized learning opportunities for all of the student and to also “bring qualified people into special education.” (Kirk, Gallagher, & Anastaiow, 2000, p. 71)

Who Does this Law Protect? This law protects ALL CHILDREN with disabilities and their parents. This law focuses on children age 5-18. (but it also includes infants and toddlers too.)

General Meaning of the Law? Assures that ALL CHILDREN with disabilities are offered a FREE APPROPRIATE education that is designed to meet their special needs. Protects the RIGHTS of children with special needs and their families. Assists States and schools in providing education of all children with disabilities. Improve how children are identified, and evaluate if the screening process is good enough to meet the needs and rights of the children.

Resources Website: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/leg/idea/history.html http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-89/pdf/STATUTE-89- Pg773.pdf http://college.cengage.com/education/resources/res_prof/students /spec_ed/legislation/pl_94-142.html