Legislation for children with disabilities: Family therapy under public law 101-476

Abstract

Abstract Earlier legislation mandated an appropriate education for all handicapped children and prescribed both an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). While these legislative acts seemed to indicate the need for family therapy principles, the most recent legislation gives further emphasis to family and community services. This article analyzes Public Law 101-476, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1990, and sets forth postulates for the involvement of the family therapist in the education of children with disabilities.