50 Years of IDEA: Let’s Go Learn

The Council for Exceptional Children marks a landmark anniversary with this celebratory professional development event honouring fifty years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Since its passage in 1975, IDEA has fundamentally transformed the landscape of American education, guaranteeing every child with a disability the right to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. This session reflects on the remarkable progress made over five decades—from the initial fight for access to today's sophisticated frameworks for inclusion, early intervention, and transition planning—while honestly examining the work that remains. Participants will explore the evolution of special education policy and practice, celebrate the educators, advocates, and families who have driven progress, and engage with current challenges including equitable identification, culturally responsive services, and the integration of technology in supporting diverse learners. CEC brings its unmatched expertise as the premier professional organisation for special educators to create a learning experience that is both reflective and forward-looking, inspiring attendees to carry IDEA's promise into the next half-century.