_{Educational For All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)}

The Education For All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), enacted in 1975, is a federal law in the United States aimed at ensuring that children with disabilities receive free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It guarantees special education and related services to eligible children, regardless of the severity of their disabilities.

_{Key provisions of the Education For All Handicapped Children Act:}

1. Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): EAHCA ensures that children with disabilities are entitled to a quality education without any cost to their parents or guardians. Schools are required to provide individualized educational programs that are designed to meet the specific needs of each disabled child.
2. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): EAHCA mandates that children with disabilities should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Schools must make reasonable efforts to facilitate integration and provide necessary aids and services, ensuring equal opportunities for participation in regular classroom activities.
3. Individualized Education Program (IEP): The law mandates the development and implementation of an Individualized Education Program for each eligible child. The IEP is a personalized educational plan outlining the student’s current abilities, specific goals, required services, and evaluation methods. It is regularly reviewed and revised as needed.
4. Appropriate Evaluation: Under EAHCA, schools must conduct comprehensive evaluations to assess a child’s educational needs and determine if they are eligible for special education services. The evaluation process should be conducted in a manner that is nondiscriminatory and culturally sensitive.
5. Procedural Safeguards: The law guarantees various procedural safeguards for parents and students, such as the right to participate in educational decisions, access to relevant records, and the ability to dispute decisions through impartial hearings.
6. Transition Services: EAHCA highlights the importance of transition planning for students with disabilities as they approach adulthood. Schools must help facilitate smooth transitions from school to employment, post-secondary education, or independent living, providing necessary support and guidance.

The Education For All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) revolutionized special education in the United States by ensuring equal access and opportunities for children with disabilities. It has since been succeeded by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 1990, which incorporates many of the same principles while further strengthening the rights of students with disabilities.