Special Education Law (Chapter 766)

MAC played a critical role in the enactment of Chapter 766, passed in 1972, which in turn served as the model for the first federal special education law. Chapter 766 helped bring thousands of young people into more inclusive educational settings and required team evaluations, annual reviews, and Individual Educational Programs (IEPs). It also required that local school systems educate every student in their community and fund appropriate educational costs.

In 2012, MAC celebrated the 40th anniversary of Chapter 766. See how this law has impacted Massachusetts students and families in our anniversary video: