-
Brown v. Board of Education
Although this case does not pertain specifically to special education, it does establish that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal". Thus, this case motivates parents of students with disabilities to bring forth discrimination lawsuits against their school districts to fight against the segregation of their children. -
My Uncle Is Born
On this day, my uncle Matt was born. He was born with Down syndrome. At the time of his birth, Down syndrome was still very stigmatized, and even the doctors used terms to describe my uncle that we would never think to use today. They told my grandparents that my uncle wouldn't make it past one, and if he did, he'd never make it past ten. -
My Uncle's First Birthday
Despite what the doctors said, my uncle made it to one year old as a happy baby. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
This law prevents discrimination based on disability by any entity receiving federal funding. Section 504 thus applies to schools and works to prevent discrimination in educational settings. -
Public Law 94-142: The Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This law ensures that public education will be accessible to students with disabilities as well as provides additional funding to schools. It establishes the Least Restrictive Environment, IEPs, and the right to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education. -
My Uncle's Tenth Birthday
Again my uncle defied the odds and celebrated his tenth birthday, his second-favorite day of the year (second only to Christmas). -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This law does not relate directly to education, but it does prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. Pertaining specifically to the work force, this act provides accommodations and ensures equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. -
Reauthorization of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act
In reauthorizing this law, the name is changed from the Education for All Handicapped Children Act to what it is known as today, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. it also adds autism and traumatic brain injury to the list of disabilities one could qualify as having to receive special education services. Additionally, it emphasizes the confidentiality of documentation for students with disabilities within schools. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This law establishes early intervention services for students who are struggling in reading. It increases the standards required to be met in becoming a teacher for all prospective teachers. Most notably, this law holds schools accountable for the achievement of their students. -
I Meet My Uncle for the First Time
On this day, I was brought into the world. I got to meet my uncle for the first time and became his first niece. -
Reauthorization of IDEA
With this reauthorization, the qualifications needed to be met to become a special education teacher are increased in order to ensure that special education teachers have the necessary experience to teach students with disabilities in an equitable and challenging way. It also emphasizes the importance of early intervention services for students who have not been diagnosed with a disability but need additional support in the classroom by increasing funding. -
Reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act
This reauthorization renames the No Child Left Behind Act to the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA. It mandates that only one percent of students can receive alternate testing methods. It also removes some of the requirements for becoming a teacher put in place by the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. -
My Uncle Turns Fifty-One
Happy fifty-first birthday to my uncle! He lived a long, happy, fulfilling life full of the things he loved to do most.