Which act preceded the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was first enacted in 1990 and amended several times thereafter, is built upon the foundation laid by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (EHA). The EHA was essential in establishing the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities and set important procedures and guidelines for education that have been further developed in IDEA.

This earlier act mandated that public schools create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, ensuring that they receive tailored support to meet their unique needs. The intent of the EHA was to protect the educational rights of children with disabilities and to promote their full integration into society as capable and productive members.

By building on the principles laid out in the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, IDEA expanded and refined these directives, leading to significant improvements in how educational services are provided to students with disabilities. This historical link highlights why the Education for All Handicapped Children Act is the correct answer, as it directly set the stage for subsequent legislation focused on enhancing services and protections for individuals with disabilities in the educational system.