It’s spring 1974. The Massachusetts special education law (Chapter 766), passed in 1972, was still in its first months of implementation. It focused on access to public education by students who in some cases had been excluded by law or practice or both. Parents were the prime movers behind this law, believing always that even students with the most significant disabilities had a fundamental right to receive a public education that would enable them to maximize their own potential. Working with educators, administrators, policy makers and others, parents formed unprecedented coalitions to ensure passage of this law. For students with special needs, it was an optimistic time as a 20-year struggle to guarantee every single student a high quality public education had come to fruition.

Prior to the enactment of Chapter 766, some Massachusetts’ students with special needs had more rights than others. For example, there were specific laws to protect students who were blind or deaf. The Task Force on Children Out of School (later the Mass Advocacy Center and now Mass Advocates for Children) found out through a comprehensive study in Boston that thousands of other children had been kept out of school due to issues of race, culture, behavior and disability.

Chapter 766 was the first comprehensive state law in the nation that sought to address these complicated issues by guaranteeing that all students would be entitled to a free appropriate public education. Chapter 766 called for “non-categorical” eligibility. Any child who needed services and supports to be successful in school would be able to receive them without regard to their type of disability. In 1975, the Federal government followed suit with the law we know today as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

Thirty years ago the Federation was born out of the strong commitment to parents and their critical role in ensuring that schools would fulfill the promise of the law. Parents of children with special needs created the a way to help other parents understand their rights under the law as well as learn the most effective methods of supporting their children with special needs. This parent-to-parent and parent-to-professional model continues today as we continue to pursue the Federation’s commitment to quality education and protecting the rights of all children.

Phyllis Snierson, a veteran Federation staff member and parent of an adult son with disabilities, was one of those early parent pioneers. I fondly recall her telling me, “we thought once everyone knew that the law had been passed, our job would be over! Six months or a year would be enough time.” Today, 30 years later, we remain focused on many of the same issues, but with notable progress.

In 2004 it is the law of the land. Every child is entitled to a free appropriate public education with appropriate supports and services.

Education reform efforts at the state and national levels hold schools accountable for fully including all children with disabilities not just in the school building, but also in the school’s general curriculum.

Students with disabilities are surpassing the expectations of their parents, teachers and the public in general. We can boast about a new generation of individuals with disabilities who are living, working and thriving in their own communities like never before.

Mary Ann, a person with autism lives independently. Jessica, a woman with CP (cerebral palsy), is an artist with her own company and website. Meghan, who also has CP, has met the same educational standards as all other students. Amy, a young woman with Down syndrome attends a community college.

The Federation’s commitment remains the same, but even our expectations have been raised. Fighting for access to school has become a fervent battle for high educational standards for even those students with the most severe cognitive disabilities. Teaching new parents about the rights, critical history and promising practices is our daily endeavor. Last year we responded to more than 26,000 phone and email inquiries and over 50,000 people visited our website each month.

Thirty years later and the job in not done! In fact, there is more than ever for us to do. The lessons of history are too easily lost if the results of that history are not constantly lived and appreciated.

Please join us in this 30 th year celebration by sharing your stories, volunteering in your community or at the Federation and supporting the efforts of individuals with disabilities to live fully in their communities.

Back to Top
Return to Executive Director Page