With an Eye to the Past
1940s to 50s: Lighting the Fire

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Introduction
1940s - 50s
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In 1955, the Legislature created an Interim Commission on Handicapped Children, chaired by then-Senator and future Governor Elmer L. Andersen. Future Governor Al Quie served as Secretary.

After meeting 16 times in 1956, the panel reported the landmark conclusion: "It is the right of every child to have equal opportunity for education with every other child."

Video: Maynard Reynolds, former Chair, University of Minnesota, Department of Special Education, speaks of his role with an interim legislative commission to study the needs and problems in Special Education.

Governor Elmer L. Andersen: Every child should have equal opportunity for education.

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