The book examines the history and speculates on the future of special education, particularly with reference to P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments, P.L. 99-457. Part 1 focuses on the history of legislation (including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and Senate and House action leading to P.L. 94-142); the history of regulations (proposed and final rules); and the history of litigation. Part 1 concludes with a review of advances in teaching methods, with a section on technology in the classroom. Addressing the future of special education, Part 2 begins with a discussion of money problems and questions about backlash. The future of special education litigation is addressed in terms of such issues as extended year programing, placement in the least restrictive environment, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, due process, mediation, the Medicaid conflict, and attorneys' fees. Placement problems are also explored, including overplacement of learning disabled students and the controversy over "slow learners." Problems of excessive paperwork are noted, and the possibility of computerized individualized education programs is examined. A final chapter focuses on the new mandate of P.L. 99-457, the 1986 amendments to the Education of the Handicapped Act, to serve handicapped infants and toddlers. Personnel and financial issues are considered. Among appended material is the text of the Education of the Handicapped Act. (CL)