What was the purpose of the Education for all handicapped children act?

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, enacted in 1975, aimed to ensure that all children with disabilities had the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It mandated that schools develop individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. The law also sought to promote the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular classrooms and provide necessary support services, thereby fostering equity in educational opportunities. This landmark legislation laid the foundation for later laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).