Introduction

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Through federal legislation and court mandates, the 1960s and 1970s produced the most rapid change in handicapped rights. The dismantling of society's stereotypes about handicapped people has led to breakthroughs in the instructional methods, technological capabilities, and educational practices for disabled children. With no known comprehensive method of how best to integrate and educate handicapped students, the issue of mainstreaming has become a heated debate.

The goal of this web site is to present an overview of both sides of the mainstreaming debate. In order to provide a better understanding of the issues involved, this site reviews the history surrounding the fight for equal educational opportunities for physically handicapped and learning disabled students, and cites specific examples of cases that have succeeded with mainstreaming, as well as cases that have met obstacles.

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Government 375: Educational Reform and Ideology