Important Dates in Special Education

Title VI added to Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Jan 1, 1965

This creates the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped which is now known as the Office of Special Education Programs or OSEP.

First Center for Independent Living Opens

Jan 1, 1972

Established by Ed Roberts at UC Berkley to support the needs of individuals with disabilities so that they can live an independent life away from nursing homes and other institutions.

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)

Nov 29, 1975

History of Special Education Congress passes P.L. 94-142 and gives states 3 years to create institutional frameworks.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act Ammended.

Jan 1, 1986

EAHCA is ammended to include the Handicapped Children’s Protection Act.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Jan 1, 1990

EAHCA is ammended and now called IDEA. One of the big ammendments was that school districts now must look at the transition from high school to post-secondary life.

IDEA Reauthorized

Jan 1, 1997

Students with diabilities are now required to be included on state and district-wide assesments. Regular Education Teachers are to be included on the IEP team.

No Child Left Behind

Jul 9, 2001

All students including those with disabilities should be proficient in math and reading by the year 2014.

IDEA reauthorized

Jan 1, 2004

Several changes are made to IDEA including that school districts are to provide instruction and intervention to help keep students out of special education.