Final answer:
The Council for Exceptional Children focuses on the needs of special needs children, advocating for improved educational opportunities and addressing disparities based on various factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Council for Exceptional Children primarily addresses the needs and education of special needs children, who are individuals with disabilities or the 'exceptional' or handicapped, as referenced in Mills v. Board of Education 1972.
Established protections like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and reauthorizations, including provisions within No Child Left Behind, have put an emphasis on improving educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
These efforts continue to shape the landscape of education, aiming to reduce disparities and provide universal access to education for these children. Despite improvements, disparities persist, often based on race, ethnicity, and geography, indicating the ongoing need for advocacy and support from organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children.