Understanding the Education of Handicapped Act: What it Means for Students and Schools
In the late 1970s, Congress passed the Education of Handicapped Act (EHA), which later became the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990. The law aimed to ensure that children with disabilities have access to free public education, appropriate services, and accommodations to reach their full potential. This article will provide an overview of the EHA/IDEA, its impact on students and schools, and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
What is the Education of Handicapped Act (EHA)?
Before the 1970s, many children with disabilities were excluded from public education or placed in separate, often inadequate, special schools. The EHA aimed to change this by mandating that these children have access to free, appropriate public education and services. The law defined disabilities broadly, including physical, mental, and emotional impairments, and established regulations to ensure schools provide individualized education plans (IEPs) and related services based on each student’s unique needs.
Impact on Students and Schools
Since its inception, the EHA/IDEA has had a profound impact on students and schools. For students with disabilities, the law has meant greater access to education, opportunities for integration with non-disabled peers, and improved academic and post-secondary outcomes. Schools have been required to create and implement IEPs, provide accommodations, and ensure that students with disabilities are not discriminated against. However, implementing the law has also presented challenges, including funding, staffing, and accountability.
Challenges and Opportunities
Although the EHA/IDEA has succeeded in providing greater access to education and services for students with disabilities, it remains a work in progress. The law has undergone several revisions and updates, including the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA, which strengthened disability identification procedures, parent participation, accountability, and funding for research and professional development. However, the law still faces challenges, such as unequal access to quality education, over-reliance on standardized testing, and insufficient funding.
Conclusion
The Education for Handicapped Act/Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has transformed the lives of children with disabilities and their families by ensuring that they have access to free, appropriate public education. Although the law has faced challenges and opportunities, it remains a critical piece of legislation and a reminder of the importance of ensuring that all students, regardless of ability or disability, have access to high-quality education.
