The Schools, The Courts, And The Integration Of Students With Severe Handicaps

Abstract

In spite of advances in public school programs for students with severe handicaps, numerous cases challenging the placement of students in non-integrated programs are reaching the courts. These cases typically seek to establish whether integrated public schools represent the least restrictive environment (LRE) for students with severe handicaps. In this paper, court case decisions supporting both integrated and nonintegrated placements as the LRE are investigated. Specifically, the extent to which recent court decisions have influenced educational concepts of the LRE for severely handicapped students is examined. The rationale for these decisions is presented and implications for special educators are discussed.