Which U.S. President signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act into law?

• A. President Bush
• B. President Ford
• C. President Carter
• D. President Reagan

Answer: (B)

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which was later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), was signed into law by President Gerald Ford in 1975. This landmark legislation aimed to ensure that children with disabilities received a free and appropriate public education. It emphasized the need for public schools to accommodate the educational needs of children with disabilities, reflecting a significant shift towards inclusion and the recognition of the rights of individuals with disabilities. This act laid the groundwork for later enhancements in special education policies and practices, showing a commitment at the federal level to educational equity. The other presidents mentioned were influential in their own right, some also impacting education policy, but the specific act in question is directly associated with President Ford’s administration.