Prior to 1975, educational options for a child living with a mental or physical disability were limited. The disabled child's family was most likely forced down a path that led to the child's institutionalization and removal from the benefits of a free, public education. It was after federal legislation passed the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. § 1983) that monumental changes began to develop, allowing for a greater understanding of the needs and abilities of people with various disability conditions. . Shortly after this legislation, Public Law 94-142, also known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (EHA), would further increase public awareness by providing appropriate public education and free (FAPE) for children with disabilities. As a result of the EHA legislation, reforms regarding the education of people with disabilities will soon become numerous and legislation will be passed allowing accommodations for people with disabilities in the fields of professions and technology. In 1990, President Gerald Ford signed legislation replacing PL 94-142 with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 (IDEA, 20 USC 1400). By definition, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law guaranteeing services to children with disabilities across the country (U.S. Department of Education, 2011). Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (42 USC § 1983) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination. on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors (U.S. Department of Justice, 2011). .... middle of document... ...that was happening in this area of ​​education Before EHA and IDEA, how many students were neglected by the public school system and sent to institutions for. They were told that a child would be of no use. Thanks to these life-changing laws, you will see a physically disabled teacher in front of a class, a paraplegic doctor making his rounds in a hospital. .This author's daughter, with fetal alcohol syndrome, wants to become a teacher She is classified as mentally retarded but has goals and dreams Will she achieve this particular dream, but this author knows? that the public education system will provide Hannah with an IEP and FAPE that will provide her with the appropriate tools to live a happy and satisfied life..