Which law changed the name of the Education for Handicapped Children Act to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?

The law that changed the name of the Education for Handicapped Children Act to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is indeed Public Law (PL) 101-476. This pivotal legislation, enacted in 1990, was significant not only for the renaming but also for providing a stronger framework for the education of children with disabilities. It aimed to ensure that these children have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs.

PL 101-476 also included important amendments that enhanced the provisions for services and supports for students with disabilities, reflecting a broader understanding of disability and the educational rights of these students. The law emphasized inclusion and the importance of providing students with disabilities the opportunity to be educated alongside their peers in the least restrictive environment possible.

In contrast, the other laws listed pertain to different aspects or stages of special education legislation but do not encompass the name change to IDEA. For instance, PL 98-199 dealt with specific requirements regarding the education of children with disabilities, while PL 99-457 introduced provisions for early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities. PL 105-17 made further amendments to IDEA but came after the name change had already occurred. This highlights the