It is difficult and heartbreaking to imagine a time where children with disabilities were disregarded and deemed unworthy to attend school along with all other children, but that was the case before the Education for all Handicapped Children Act was established in 1975, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This policy analysis takes a deep dive into the IDEA by discussing the most significant historical, social movements, economic, political, and ideological implications that have affected the policy, and where it has led children with disabilities to today. By reviewing each of the five areas in detail, the strengths and weaknesses of the policy stand out and provide insight unto where the social problem is today. The findings include that children with disabilities have traveled miles ahead of where they were in 1975, as they now have access to a free public education where individualized educational plans are address the resources they need to make their education beneficial, and plans for their future are developed. Findings also included continued controversy on the right to inclusion, which highlights a continued social injustice for disabled children. Inadequate funding, …show more content…
The NSBA fights for enhanced education outcomes for children with disabilities by advocating for improved legislation. They collaborate closely with school board associations, national education and disability organizations, and other advocacy groups to support federal funding for special education. Some specific ways NSBA is fighting to improve the IDEA is by collaborating with other chief participants to guarantee valid and consistent assessments for children with disabilities, advocating for regulations that identify the authority of local school boards, and opposing pointless and expensive reporting and data collection requirements related to IDEA (NSBA,