Public Law 94-142, also known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, was enacted in 1975 to ensure that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. This law mandated that schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each eligible child, outlining specific educational goals and services tailored to their needs. The law also emphasized the importance of including children with disabilities in regular classrooms whenever possible, promoting the concept of mainstreaming. Public Law 94-142 laid the groundwork for future legislation, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which further strengthened the rights of students with disabilities in educational settings.