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1957
Board of Education vs. Brown
"Separate but Equal" was considered unconstitutional. This supreme court case lead to a decrease in segregation. This would initiate a world of increasing inclusion and accessibility for many reasons, not just racial differences. This act has supported students with special needs due to highlighting the inequalities that can occur in schools and the benefit of removing those dividers. -
1975
P.A.R.C. vs. Pennysylvania
Similar to Board of Education vs. Brown, this case involved students with disabilities not getting proper treatment and education due to their differences. Public schools were denying access to those with disabilities, even common ones. This initiated due process for students with mental exceptionalities so they can have a chance at attending school. This case helped highlight the other reasons for accommodation outside of physical disabilities. -
1975
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act but also previously known as Education of Handicapped Children Act was signed. IDEA was signed to protect students with exceptionalities and promote a normal learning environment accommodations for them in FAPE environments. IDEA is the foundation and standard that students with exceptionalities can be confident in leading to their best outcomes. IDEA protects those who need support with their special needs. -
1982
Board of Education vs. Rowley
The appropriate portion of FAPE was reconsidered in this case involving a deaf young girl. It was determined that students with exceptionalities were entitled to an educational experience that is beneficial and works towards growth versus the bare minimum. This case shined the light on hearing impairments and the need for accommodations in FAPE. As time goes on, more disabilities are being highlighted an advocated for -
1988
Honig vs. Doe
The exceptionality that was being treated unfairly in this case was a behavioral condition. The court determined that if a students behavior was a result of their disability or condition they cannot face punishments such as expulsion. There would now be a process that has to be completed before any relocating can be done as a result of a students behavior due to disability. -
1990
ADA
The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 was signed and would then prohibit those with disabilties from being discriminated against. This act would provide more real and full experiences and limit what those with exceptionalities cannot do. ADA supports students with exceptionalities in a legal matter. Through ADA it is now not legal to discriminate against disabilties, and combined with IDEA, there is now a standard that can be expected from disabled students.