What did the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) require public schools to do?

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) mandated that public schools provide access to a free and appropriate education for all children with disabilities. This landmark legislation was enacted to ensure that children, regardless of their physical or mental challenges, could receive an education tailored to their individual needs. The Act emphasized the importance of including children with disabilities in the general education system, thus fostering an environment of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

This focus on access and inclusion has had a profound impact on the educational landscape, compelling schools to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) and providing necessary support services to facilitate learning for all students. The goal was to remove barriers that prevented children with disabilities from receiving an education, empowering them through academic opportunities that were previously often denied.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the essence of the legislation. Providing free meals is unrelated to educational access, limiting education to only physically capable children directly contradicts the law’s intent, and promoting rehabilitation services, while beneficial, was not the central demand of the Act. The core requirement was to ensure educational access for all children with disabilities, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in educational practices.