History of Special Education

Brown v Board of Education

1954

This trial's ruling ended segregation in schools but also laid the foundation for the 1975 federal law (IDEA) that requires access to a public education for all children including those with disabilities.

Architectural Barriers Act

1968

First law created by Congress that required buildings and other facilities to be designed or altered by the government to ensure access to people with disabilities. These small changes provided opportunities for people with disabilities to get around easier and be more independent like students attempting to get an education.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act

1975

Law made in 1975 (now known as IDEA) was to provide "educational assistance to all handicapped children, and for other purposes." This provided free appropriate education to all children in every state across the country.

ADAPT

1983

Also known as American with Disabilities for Accessible Public Transportation was an organization that campaigned that supported lifts on buses and easier access to public transportation for people with disabilities. This helped further eliminate any obstacles that stood in the way of a person getting their education.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

1990

Also known as IDEA, states that in order for a school to receive funds, they must provide an appropriate and free education for children from ages 3 to 21 regardless of their abilities. This law replaced the PL 94-142.

Americans with Disabilities Act

1990

Ensured the right of nondiscriminatory treatment of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their lives and provided protections of civil rights in areas of employment, transportation, local and state government, etc.

IDEA amendments

1997

Changes were added to IDEA to including learning developmental disabilities such as ADHD to help students receive special education services and clarified IEP terminology.

Assistive Technology Act

1998

Also known as Tech Act, this aimed to provide assistive technology to individuals with disabilities, so they participate in education, employment, and other without restrictions.

No Child Left Behind Act

2001

NCLB was an act passed by Congress pushed to increase efforts to improve student academic achievement in school districts through accountability for all students including holding students with special needs at the same standard.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act

2004

Also known as IDEIA, this reauthorization of IDEA was again improved to require equity, accountability, and excellence in education for children with disabilities. Teachers are expected to further prepare for students with special needs and requires a student's education plan to be re-evaluated every year.