What was the purpose of Education for all handicapped children act?

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA), later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), was a landmark piece of legislation passed in 1975. Its primary purpose was to guarantee all children with disabilities a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

Here are some key goals and purposes of the EHA/IDEA:

* Equal Access to Education: To ensure that children with disabilities have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers to receive a quality education.

* Least Restrictive Environment: To place children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE) possible, meaning they should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

* Individualized Education Program (IEP): To require the development of an individualized education program (IEP) for each child with disabilities, outlining their unique needs and educational goals.

* Parental Rights: To ensure that parents have a meaningful role in the educational decisions for their children with disabilities.

* Special Education Services: To provide special education services, including instruction, related services, and assistive technology, to meet the individual needs of children with disabilities.

* Nondiscriminatory Evaluation: To ensure that children are evaluated in a nondiscriminatory manner to determine eligibility for special education services.

* Due Process: To protect the rights of students and their families through due process procedures.

* Funding: To provide funding for special education programs and services.

The EHA/IDEA has had a significant impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families. It has helped to ensure that they have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their disability.