In Finland as well as elsewhere in Europe, mainstreaming is currently receiving a great deal of attention. For instance, the number of pupils at special school has been decreasing constantly, since many handicapped pupils have been placed in regular classrooms. In the 1980s, the interest in improving the position of handicapped pupils and pupils with special needs has resulted in other measures, too. In 1985 an educational law came into force in Finland that obliges all local authorities to ensure that all children of compulsory school age receive a basic education. It is no longer possible to excuse anyone from school because of his or her disability.