Celebrating 45 Years of IDEA
On November 29, 2020, the United States celebrated he 45th Anniversary of the signing of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. When President Gerald Ford signed the law in 1975, he and Congress guaranteed access for children with disabilities to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The law protects children from infancy through the age 21 and their families and has allowed children a more promising and bright future.
The U.S. Department of Education has a page highlighting several historical videos that recall how we have celebrated IDEA over the years and also released new testimonial videos that reflect on how on how IDEA has helped shape the lives of children with disabilities in the US.
You can also visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website for more information on this landmark and historic law as we keep striving to increase educational opportunities for every child.