Abstract: Nearly 50 years ago, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was instituted to address the discrimination and neglect faced by students with disabilities in the public education system. Designed to provide a legal framework ensuring essential educational support and services, IDEA aimed to promote inclusivity while safeguarding the rights of children and their families. Despite advances in understanding neurodiversity and how to support learning differences, the delivery of special education has often been hindered by layers of legal requirements and a compliance-centric approach. Join in a conversation about reimagining a system that embraces and values the diversities and strengths of every student. Reflecting on the past 50 years, it's evident that while IDEA played a crucial role in ensuring students' rights and access to education, the emphasis on compliance and a deficit model sometimes overshadows the broader goal of fostering an environment that capitalizes on strengths and talents. This talk explores ways we can shift from legal adherence to a holistic, empowering model, celebrating the unique qualities of each student and envision a future where all educators share in creating universally designed environments and support systems that actively cultivate an inclusive and thriving educational experience for all.