What does PL 94-142, enacted in 1975, provide for?

PL 94-142, officially known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, was a landmark piece of legislation enacted in 1975. It mandated that all public schools in the United States provide equal access to education for children with disabilities. This law ensures that students with disabilities are provided with a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment possible.

This law laid the foundation for the educational rights of children with disabilities, requiring that they receive individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to their unique needs. Prior to this legislation, many children with disabilities were excluded from public education altogether, highlighting the significance of PL 94-142 in promoting educational equity.

In terms of context, other options, while addressing various aspects of support for individuals with disabilities, do not capture the primary focus of PL 94-142. It specifically centers on educational access and rights rather than health services, financial assistance, or job training. This underscores the unique and crucial role that PL 94-142 plays in shaping the educational landscape for individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.