Lansdowne, PA – December 2, 2023

Beginning in 1971, a U.S. District Court case in the District of Columbia, Mills v. Board of Education, ruled it unlawful to deny exceptional children, including those with mental and learning disabilities publicly funded educational opportunities. Court cases like this led to the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act which was signed by President Gerald Ford on November 29th. The federal legislation required states that accept federal money to provide equal access to children with disabilities. Additional protections were added in 1986 to support parents and educators in creating an education plan for children with disabilities. In 1990, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and improved access for all children with developmental delay. Through the years, the act has been enhanced to improve services and standards throughout the educational system.

On National Special Education Day (and everyday!), we express thanks to our special education teachers and administrators for the work that they do with our students.

(Source: NationalDayCalendar.com)