This article reviews the legislative history of P.L. 99–457, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, which created a new program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Legislative history research was undertaken to document the intent of Part H of P.L. 99–457. The concerns of policymakers are identified and provide a framework for considering the achievements of the law. The unique features of Part H and its status are discussed in the context of current uncertainty about its future.
Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.
4.
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1983, 20 U.S.C. 101 et seq.
5.
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.
6.
The Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Select Education, of the House Committee on Education and Labor, 99th Cong., 2nd Sess. (1986) (testimony of Thomas Vickers).
7.
Fraas, C. J. (1986). Preschool programs for the education of handicapped children: Background, issues, and federal policy options (Rep. No. 86–55 EPW). Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service.
8.
House panel delays decision on special education expansion bill. (1986, July 30). Education Daily, p. 3.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.
11.
Johnson, N. P. (1993). Sources of compiled legislative histories.Littleton, CO: Fred B. Rothman & Co..
12.
S. Rep. No. 99–315, 99th Cong., 2nd Sess. (1986).
13.
Smith, K. (1993). Federal legislative history preparation.Washington, DC: Law Library of Congress.
14.
Special education: The long view. (1986, September 17). School Board News, p. 2.
15.
Tenth anniversary of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94–142): Hearing before the Subcommittee on the Handicapped, of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, 99th Cong., 1st Sess. 9 (1985) (testimony of John Brademas).
16.
United States Department of Education. (1985). Seventh annual report on the implementation of the Education of the Handicapped Act.Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
17.
United States Department of Education. (1993). Fifteenth annual report on the implementation of the Education of the Handicapped Act.Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
18.
United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. (1994). [Part H FY 1993 eligibility criteria]. Unpublished data.
19.
United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. (1995). [Number of infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services, December 1, 1993]. Unpublished data.
