ABSTRACT
Over thirty years ago, parents and public officials designed legislation to give quality education to children with special needs. For the purposes of this brief overview, broad issues and terms are addressed including Public Law (PL) 94–142, least restrictive environment (LRE), individual educational program (IEP), mainstreaming, inclusion, and exceptional children. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 redefined disability as a physical or mental impairment that limits major life activities. Passage and implementation of PL 94–142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, mandated that students with all types of disabilities be educated in the LRE, meaning that their education would be as close to normal as possible while offering specialized instructional support. Since 1975, the laws have been refined and schools across the nation have implemented programs for preschool and older children.
