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Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
Though students with disabilities had been granted access to education, there were barriers. The District of Columbia believed that students who were capable of learning were being taught. Mills argued that students with "exceptionalities" were not receiving services.
The courts ruled in favor of Mills and that students with “mental, behavioral, physical or emotional handicaps or deficiencies” (History of Special Education, n.d) were not to be denied equal education. -
Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia Impact and Reference
The impact of this case shaped special education to the diversity of its learners. Like DC other states would follow and services and funding in special education would be increased to support the needs of these students (Arocho, 2001).
With the diversity of learners, and the spectrum within disabilities, this ruling removed barriers to learning based on cognitive abilities and solidified that all are capable of learning.
https://kidstogether.org/mills/ -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was a federal law that provided government funds to provide an education that with modifications was as much alike their non disabled peers as possible. Parents also were given a platform to dispute concerns or services with their districts (EHA – Education for All Handicapped Children Act, n.d).
Providing federal structures over special education guaranteed provisions and protection of services nationwide. -
Honig v. Doe
This case challenged the line between education and safety. Doe was suspended indefinitely due to "behavioral issues" and was not receiving the educational services he had a right to (Honig v. Doe, 1988).
Honig held that with a lack of policy for students who exhibit "dangerous" behaviors, that schools have authority to make decisions about disciplinary action.
It ruled that students could not be recipients of disciplinary action if their behaviors were a result of their disabling conditions. -
Honig v. Doe Impact and References
This case has impacted special education through the extension services of behavioral supports and the broader understanding of how behavior does not manifest from a place of deviance, but a result of aspects of disabilities, known as "stay put". Provisions were also placed to support temporary action when behaviors that are dangerous were displayed allowing schools some control over safety measures
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4744972/user-clip-honig-doe -
American with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act is
"to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability" (Burgdorf Jr, 1991, p. 434). Within the act are 5 provisions: Public Service and Accommodations, Employment, Telecommunications and Miscellaneous. Two purposes are also list; to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate to remove discrimination against individuals with disabilities and to enforce standards for discrimination (Burgdorf Jr, 1991). -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was a revision of EHA outlining the government funding of services and the provisions provided provided within, specifically FAPE (Apling & Jones, 2002). Important principles are included in IDEA besides FAPE which include the appropriate evaluation and identification of student's qualifications for Special education. Individualized Education Program was also added to determine what services would be provided to best meet the student's needs.