50 Years of IDEA: Reflecting on Progress, Purpose, and Possibility

In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, CEC President Ben Tillotson is joined by Dr. Bill Bogdan and Dr. Luanne Purcell to reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law that has reshaped education, access, and opportunity for millions of students with disabilities. 

As Ben notes at the outset, “Over the past five decades, this landmark legislation has transformed classrooms, expanded opportunities, and shaped the lives of millions of students, families, and educators across the country.”

Learning the Work Before the Law

Both guests began their careers before IDEA was fully implemented, offering a firsthand look at how special education evolved in real time. Dr. Bogdan recalls that “Public Law 94-142 had passed, but the implementation didn’t occur until 1977,” adding, “There was no training. There was a piece of paper, and we completed it.” 

Dr. Purcell described just how informal placement and support could be prior to IDEA: “I just went in and observed a kid. And if I thought they were so far outside of the norm, I said, ‘Yeah, we’ll take that kid.’” She later reflected that IDEA brought critical structure, explaining, “There was no standardization. And to me, that was one of the big things that IDEA did, 94-142 did.”

Centering Students, Families, and Community

A consistent theme throughout the conversation was the importance of seeing the individual first. Dr. Bogdan emphasized a major shift in practice, noting that today’s work looks very different from earlier models: “Very different than how we were creating education that was specifically designed for a direct intervention program based on the identification of the disability versus the identification, the gifts and the talents and the uniqueness of the individual that they bring to us today.” 

Dr. Purcell echoed this perspective through her early teaching experiences, sharing how family engagement shaped her approach: “What I learned as a young educator was the power of culture and the power of families who surround their kids with love.”

Progress and Ongoing Challenges

While both guests acknowledged progress, they also spoke candidly about persistent challenges, particularly funding and workforce support. Ben reminded listeners that “Congress has yet to fulfill their statement of fully funding IDEA,” and that, “that need is continually growing.” 

Dr. Purcell cautioned against moving backward, stating plainly, “If we would’ve done the right thing, we wouldn’t have had to have a federal law.” She added, “We just need to remember where we’ve been and not try to go back there because it is better now than it was.”

Hope for the Next 50 Years

As the conversation closed, both guests reflected on what gives them hope for the future of special education. Dr. Bogdan pointed to community and belonging, sharing, “What gives me hope is that we define community in the best way… so that we are making the lives of others better.” 

Dr. Purcell highlighted the role of connection and leadership development, saying, “We are so much better together. And so my hope is in the local chapter.”

Continuing the Work

Fifty years after IDEA became law, this episode underscores both how far the field has come, and how much responsibility remains. As Ben reflected, “Working in special education has been my greatest education as a human being.” 

That sentiment captures the heart of this conversation: progress grounded in people, strengthened by community, and sustained through continued advocacy. 

Listen to the full episode today.