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Brown v. Board of Education
The Brown v. Board of Education court case determined that segregation in the school system disregarded the fact that each student deserves a quality education. The results of this case raised awareness that race, gender, and disability shouldn't keep students from receiving a public education. -
Mills v. Board of Education, DC
In 1972, the District of Columbia denied students with disabilities an education because they claimed that funding these students was too expensive. The judge ruled that all students should be given an education, regardless of disability. The ruling required schools to provide programs that meet the educational needs of students with disabilities. In addition, no child with a disability could be suspended from school for more than 2 days without a hearing. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania had a state law that prohibited children with disabilities from receiving a public education. In 1972, this law was deemed unconstitutional. The court ruling required that the state provide a free education for children between the ages of 6 and 21; and, the state must also provide accommodations for students with disabilities that would help them perform at the same level as their peers. -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973- Section 504
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires that all federally funded institutions refrain from discriminating against exceptional learners. Section 504 also states that students with disabilities should be included and receive the benefits of different programs and activities. Section 504 was the first disability civil rights law to be passed in the U.S. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
EAHCA, or Public Law 94-142, was created to provide an equal opportunity for children with disabilites to receive a quality education. This law requires that schools evaluate the students and allow the parents to participate in making a fair and appropriate educational plan based on the needs of the student. This law also requires schools to provide one free meal a day for special needs students. In addition, Public Law 94-142 helps provide federal resources to special education programs. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
In 1990, EAHCA was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. This law ensures that exceptional learners receive a free public education in an interactive environment that meets their needs. The purpose of IDEA is to allow students with disabilities to interact and participate in the same activities and programs that students without disabilities are participating in. In addition, IDEA requires that students receive assistance as they transition out of high school. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act is the first law to address the needs of all people that have a disability. This law prohibits discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations, telecommunications, and transportation. The purpose of this law is to provide everyone, not just students, with equal opportunities. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
NCLB was enacted to help disadvantaged students gain the opportunity to pursue a quality education. Federally funded schools are now required to assist exceptional learners in achieving academic proficiency. This law also gives schools more control on how their funds are allocated to improve student learning. NCLB requires that schools implement research-based programs that have been successful. In addition, this act provides parents with more options for their children's education. -
Assistive Technology Act of 2004
The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 was amended in 2004 to provide statewide-programs that assist in providing technology to help students with disabilities meet their full potential. This act applies to people of all different ages that have a disability. Assistive technology increases the functional capabilities of special needs individuals; which, provides these individuals with the same educational and occupational opportunities as their peers. -
IDEA Reauthorization of 2004
In 2004, IDEA was reauthorized with several new amendments including:
1. New criteria that helps identify and evaluate students with special needs
2. New provisions regarding the development of an individualized family service plan, or IFSP.
3. New definitions and clarifications
4. New options for settling disputes about the educational requirements for students with disabilities
5. A written description in the IFSP that describes the transition services needed for the special needs student.
