History of Inclusion

Brown v. Board of Education

1954

Supreme Court case ruled school segregation by race was not constitutional. It was the first instance where the federal government advocated equal rights for students.

Division of Handicapped Children and Youth

1963

President John F. Kennedy established the Division of Handicapped Children and Youth, pushing greater rights for students with intellectual disabilities.

ESEA

1965

With the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the federal government protects and provides for disadvantaged students so they may have equal access to public education.

Christmas in Purgatory: A Photographic Essay on Mental Retardation

1966

Christmas in Purgatory: A Photographic Essay on Mental Retardation published by Burton Blatt and Fred Kaplan exposed unacceptable living conditions in residential facilities and built awareness of inequalities facing individuals with disabilities.

PARC v. Commonwealth of PA

1971

Unconstitutional to deny free public education from a student with an intellectual disability.

Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia

1972

Required states to provide alternative services to students with handicaps.

Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)

1973

P.L. 93-112, Section 504. Prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities and defines handicapped persons and appropriate education.

Educational Amendments Act

1974

P.L. 93-380. Federal funds for state programs that program students who are gifted and talented. Also grants students and families the right to due process in special education placement.

P.L. 94-142

1975

All children, regardless of their disability, receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Also requires individualized education programs (IEPs).

Board of Education v. Rowley

1982

Free and appropriate education (FAPE) must be provided in all public schools. Provides necessary services to all students and limiting segregation among public school students.

Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments

1986

States provide free and appropriate education to young children (ages 3-5) and establishes early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities.

Honig v. Doe

1988

Schools may not expel children for behaviors related to their disability.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

1990

Equal opportunity in employment, public services, accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

1990

"People-first" language. Includes autism and traumatic brain injury as new disability categories. Requires transition services from school to employment and transportation services for students with disabilities.

IDEIA

2004

Implementation of response-to-intervention (RTI) model to determine if a student has a disability. Increases federal funds for early childhood intervention.

Winkelman v. Parma City School District

2007

Supreme Court case where parents may pursue IDEA on behalf of their child.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

2015

Signed by President Obama replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to ensure equal opportunity for all students and provides additional for supports for at-risk students.

2018 and Beyond

2018

As technology advances and research develops, I predict amendments will be made to provide better accommodations for individuals with disabilities as well as more efficient methods to identify and support individuals with disabilities. I also hope to see those individuals as invested members in our society and being accepted without prejudice.