This week marks the 35th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law that provides federal aid to states so they can provide appropriate public education for students with disabilities in the United States. To fully appreciate this landmark piece of legislation, you need to know that it covers a host of mental, physical and emotional conditions, and makes it possible for a broader range of students to live full and productive lives. Everything from the cost of ramps to the cost of special education teachers falls under this bill, and though it seems like the norm to a lot of us, none of this existed in a formal way until 1975 when the legislation passed.
IDEA is about civil and human rights because it is about equal access to public education and equitable pathways to success and fulfillment for all people. Today nearly 7 million students benefit from this legislation through education and social connections with peers. IDEA also has untold benefit to parents and families who, before 1975, only had access to services for their children if they could afford private avenues. IDEA also provides professional opportunities for the people who specialize in services for disabled students, and brought fields like speech therapy and special education to young people seeking viable careers helping others. This is yet another example of a marginalized group bringing awareness to their situation, achieving public support, aligning powerful legislation, and creating change that benefits society as a whole. It is the very work we strive to highlight and look forward to featuring in the Center.