History of Special Education By brookelodl Apr 9, 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act Jul 23, 1970 Education of the Handicapped Act Nov 29, 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act Aug 6, 1986 Handicapped Children's Protection Act Sep 29, 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Originally known as the Education of the Handicapped Children's Act; the name was changed to IDEA to use "people first" language. Dec 3, 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act