COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

November 10, 2005

Commemorate Three Decades of Educational Opportunity for Children with Disabilities

COSPONSOR BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION HONORING THE 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT

Dear Colleague:

Thirty years ago this month, on November 29, 1975, the predecessor to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law.  Enactment of that legislation was a historic achievement, ensuring for the first time access to education for children with disabilities.  IDEA provides for a free appropriate public education for children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment – in other words, it ensures educational opportunities for children with special needs.

IDEA currently serves nearly seven million school children, preschoolers, and infants and toddlers.  The success of IDEA has been overwhelming.  Under IDEA, the number of children with disabilities who receive a high school diploma and the number who enroll in college have both increased significantly, while the number of children with developmental disabilities who must live in State institutions away from their families has decreased dramatically.  By promoting partnerships between parents and educators in the design and implementation of special education and related services for children with disabilities, IDEA helps these children to reach their full potential.

Last week we introduced H. Con. Res. 288 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of IDEA.  This bipartisan resolution honors the important role IDEA has played in the lives of millions of children with disabilities and their families, and demonstrates our strong support for the law’s continued success.  To sign on as a cosponsor of the resolution and join us in support of special education, please contact the Education & the Workforce Committee at x5-6558.

Sincerely,