Final answer:
The Disabilities Education Act, which is now known as the IDEA, required public schools to provide equal access to education for all students, including those with disabilities, through individualized education plans and services.The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 94-142), now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), was enacted to ensure that public schools provide equal access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. This legislation required schools to provide individual educational plans that address each student's unique needs, thus facilitating their best learning potential. This encompasses not only physical accommodations but also specialized educational programs and services tailored to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities.
Under IDEA, schools must consult with parents to create a detailed plan for each child that is designed to offer an educational experience as close as possible to that provided to children without disabilities. This involves both mainstreaming children with disabilities (whenever appropriate) and offering special education services in cases where a child's disability would prevent them from reaching their educational potential in a typical classroom setting.