IDEA at 50: Live Fireside Chat with Dr. Ed W. Martin Jr., Co-Author of the Law Behind Every IEPÂ
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A rare conversation with one of the original authors of the 1975 legislation that guaranteed students with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education.
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Date: Wednesday, January 21 | Time: 7:00 PM EST
Panelists: Dr. Ed W. Martin, Jr.
Cost: Free
The Law That Changed Everything
In November 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (now known as IDEA). It was a watershed moment in American civil rights history, guaranteeing for the first time that children with disabilities had a right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Before this law, millions of children were excluded from public schools. Today, it protects the rights of over 7 million students. But who wrote the mandates that changed history?
Yes, Register for this free NASET webinar
Dr. Ed W. Martin, Jr.
IDEA Legislation Co-Author and First Assistant Secretary of Education for Special Education
We are honored to open our 2026 webinar series with a living legend: Dr. Edwin W. Martin Jr., the original architect of the federal legislation that became IDEA.
Dr. Martin is a giant in the field of special education policy. His credentials map the history of the disability rights movement:
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The Co-Author: As a key congressional staffer and Director of the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped, he was instrumental in drafting P.L. 94-142.
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The First Assistant Secretary: He was appointed by President Carter as the first-ever U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
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Bipartisan Leader: He served under Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter, proving that the rights of children transcend politics.
What to Expect:
With the landscape of special education funding and regulation facing new uncertainties in 2026, it has never been more critical to understand the bedrock principles of the law.
In this exclusive fireside chat, Dr. Martin will offer a rare, firsthand account of:
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The Intent vs. The Reality: What the authors of IDEA originally envisioned versus how the law is implemented today.
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The "Paperwork" Debate: His unique perspective on balancing procedural safeguards (IEPs) with the burden of bureaucracy.
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The Future of Inclusion: His insights on the challenges facing educators, parents, and advocates as we move into the next 50 years of IDEA.
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from history.
Don’t Miss This Webinar. Reserve Your Seat.Â
This is a free session open to all educators, administrators, and advocates.
→ Instant confirmation + calendar reminder
→ Receive a study hour credit certificate for professional development
→ Can’t attend live? All registrants get replay access
Hosted by NASET, the National Association of Special Education Teachers, serving the special education community for 21+ years.
