How The Education For All Handicapped Act Has Changed Special Education
In the past, children with disabilities were often neglected and excluded from the educational system. However, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), now referred to as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), has significantly impacted the way special education is viewed and provided in the United States. This legislation has transformed special education and allowed individuals with disabilities to have the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers.
A Brief Overview of the EAHCA
The EAHCA was first signed into law in 1975. This act recognized that many children with disabilities had been excluded from the educational system, and it aimed to ensure that these children would have access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The EAHCA required that schools create individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities and provide the necessary accommodations and services to ensure that these students could succeed in their academic pursuits.
The Impact of the EAHCA on Special Education
The EAHCA had a profound impact on special education in several ways. Firstly, the law required schools to provide students with disabilities the necessary accommodations and services to get the same opportunities as those without disabilities. This mandate ensured that students with disabilities received the appropriate support, including access to assistive technology, special education programs, and behavioral therapies.
Additionally, the EAHCA required schools to provide IEPs for every student with a disability. An IEP is a personalized plan created by a team of educators and parents that outlines the student’s educational goals and specific needs. This individualized approach to education ensures that students receive the appropriate resources and support to meet their unique learning requirements.
The EAHCA also established the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS), which oversees the implementation of the law and the provision of special education services.
The Evolution of Special Education since the EAHCA
The EAHCA has undergone several revisions and re-authorizations since its inception. In 1990, the act was updated and renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The updated law expanded the definition of disabilities to include conditions such as autism, traumatic brain injury, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Since then, the law has been updated several times, with notable changes being made in 1997, 2004, and 2015. The 2004 reauthorization, known as IDEA 2004, put a greater emphasis on accountability and student outcomes. The law requires states to develop annual performance plans, provide progress reports related to the regulations set out in the law, and establish measurable goals for students.
The most recent updates, made in 2015, focused on improving the transition from high school to post-secondary education and employment for students with disabilities.
The Impact of the EAHCA on Individuals with Disabilities
The EAHCA revolutionized special education in the United States, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to receive the education that they deserve. The law has improved the academic outcomes of students with disabilities, with a greater number of students graduating high school and pursuing post-secondary education.
The EAHCA has not only provided students with disabilities access to education, but it has also empowered individuals to advocate for themselves and their peers. The law has encouraged parents and educators to work collaboratively to ensure that students receive the necessary support, regardless of their disability.
Conclusion
The Education for All Handicapped Act, now the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, has significantly impacted special education in the United States. Through the creation of individualized education plans, requirement for schools to provide necessary accommodations and services, and establishment of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, individuals with disabilities have been able to access the education they need to succeed. The continued evolution and re-authorization of the IDEA demonstrates the ongoing commitment to provide students with disabilities the resources they need to thrive academically and beyond.
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