Educating Children with Disabilities: Topic Paper H.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper assesses federal legislation and programs affecting education for children with disabilities. The enactment of Public Law 94-142 sought to ensure that every handicapped child aged 5-18, and later 3-21, receive appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Studies support the importance of early intervention programs to reduce the later need for special education services. Two federal programs provide support for early childhood education services: the Handicapped Children's Early Education Program and the Preschool Incentive Grant Program. Research also documents that disabled and nondisabled children should be integrated in the educational setting, and several school districts have established integrated educational programs that are appropriate for a range of needs for all children. Recommendations are made calling for legislation to mandate special education and related services beginning at birth, to create standards for the application of the least restrictive environment requirement, to fund a National Technical Assistance Center, and to establish a National Commission for the Study of Excellence in Special Education. (JDD)