The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, also known as Public Law 94-142, marked a major shift in how children with disabilities were educated in the United States. For the first time, federal law required public schools to provide children with disabilities a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. The law established core protections that remain in place today, including individualized education programs, parent participation in decision-making, and due process rights.

Washington State played a key role in shaping Public Law 94-142 before it was adopted nationally by the U.S. Congress. The Developmental Disabilities Planning Council supported the law’s early implementation by bringing national leaders in developmental disabilities to Washington to provide training and education for families, educators, and policymakers. This work helped ensure the law moved beyond policy and into practice, laying the foundation for more inclusive schools and improved outcomes for students with disabilities.