What was the primary purpose of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)?

The primary purpose of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), which was enacted in 1975, was to ensure access to education for students with disabilities. This landmark legislation mandated that public schools provide free and appropriate education to all children, regardless of their disabilities, thereby promoting inclusivity and the right of disabled children to participate in the educational system.

The EAHCA was a significant step in recognizing the need for educational equity. It established the foundation for subsequent legislation focused on special education and inclusion, like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which expanded on its principles and provided further specification on the rights of students with disabilities.

By addressing access to education, the EAHCA fundamentally changed how educational institutions approached teaching and supporting students with disabilities, requiring schools to accommodate their needs through appropriate services and supports. This law laid the groundwork for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and succeed in an educational setting, thus underscoring its primary purpose.