[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDUCATION FOR ALL HANDICAPPED 
                              CHILDREN ACT

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 35th 
Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), a landmark 
law that asserted the right of all students with disabilities to 
receive education services appropriate to their needs.
  Before IDEA, many individuals with disabilities were relegated to 
state institutions or misdiagnosed and inappropriately educated. In the 
1950s and 1960s, the Federal government began working with advocates to 
develop best practices for educating children with disabilities and 
train teachers and specialists to implement them.
  In 1975, Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children 
Act, which would later become IDEA. Through early interventions, 
specialized supports, and placement in the least restrictive 
environment, the law revolutionized education for children with 
disabilities. Today, more than 6 million students receive IDEA 
services.
  IDEA also included a promise to states and school districts--by 1982, 
for every child receiving special education services, the federal 
government would pay forty percent of the National Average per Pupil 
Expenditure. Yet Congress has never appropriated even half that amount 
in regular appropriations. I have introduced bipartisan legislation, 
the EDUCATE Act, which would put Congress on a fiscally-responsible 
path to fully fund IDEA within eight years. I urge my colleagues to 
join me to honor our promise to America's students.
  Mr. Speaker, IDEA has made a tremendous difference in the lives of 
millions of students and their families. We must recommit ourselves to 
provide the resources necessary to ensure that all students have the 
opportunity to reach their full potential.

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