The document records the August 12, 1971 meeting of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Steering Committee, convened at the University of Washington to plan for implementing a mandatory education bill for children with disabilities. Attendees included leaders from state education agencies, special education programs, the Medical School, Education for All, and parent representatives. The committee identified key areas requiring structured work and established several ad hoc committees to address foundational elements such as definitions of disability, eligibility criteria, program approval, facilities, transportation, interdistrict planning, non-public school arrangements, and coordination across state agencies.

Additional committees were formed to review appeal procedures, sanctions, program budgeting, and public relations. The minutes end by outlining a procedural sequence: the Steering Committee organizes and sets principles, the ad hoc committees report to a State Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee’s recommendations go to the State Department of Special Education, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction ultimately sets policy. Overall, the document captures an early, systematic effort to build the framework for accessible, statewide education for children with disabilities in Washington.

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