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White Cane Ordinance
The White Cane Ordinance was enacted in several U.S. states to protect the rights of blind pedestrians, mandating that they be given the right-of-way when carrying a white cane. This ordinance was an early acknowledgment of the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities, particularly in public spaces. It set a precedent for future legislation to expand protections and access to education for people with disabilities. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. While primarily focused on race, this case established a legal precedent that would later be used to challenge the segregation of students with disabilities. It laid the foundation for arguments supporting the inclusion of all students in public education, regardless of race or disability. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The ESEA was a landmark federal law that provided significant funding to schools, particularly to support the education of disadvantaged students, including those with disabilities. This act aimed to close the educational achievement gap by offering resources and support to schools serving low-income communities. The ESEA laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation that would further address the educational needs of students with disabilities. -
Mills vs. Board of Education
Mills v. Board of Education expanded on the PARC case by addressing the rights of children with disabilities who were excluded from public schools due to insufficient resources. The court ruled that lack of funding could not be used as a reason to deny educational services to students with disabilities. This decision reinforced the principle that all children have the right to public education, regardless of their disability or the resources available.
https://kidstogether.org/mills/ -
PARC vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
In this landmark case, the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) successfully argued that children with intellectual disabilities could not be denied access to public education. The court ruled that all children, regardless of disability, have a right to a free public education. This case was instrumental in establishing the legal foundation for the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EACHA) in 1975.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtFmp3XduaQ -
The Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was the first federal law to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance. This provision ensured that students with disabilities had equal access to education and required schools to provide necessary accommodations. Section 504 laid the groundwork for future disability rights legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). -
EAHCA
EAHCA, later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), required public schools to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities. The act mandated the development of individualized education programs (IEPs) and emphasized the importance of educating students in the least restrictive environment (LRE). EAHCA was a pivotal step in promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms. -
Hendrick Hudson School District vs. Rowley
In this case, the Supreme Court addressed the scope of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, particularly the standard for "appropriate" education. The court ruled that schools are not required to maximize the potential of students with disabilities, but they must provide access to education that is "reasonably calculated" to confer educational benefits. This case established a key standard for what constitutes a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) under IDEA. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA replaced EACHA and introduced additional provisions, including transition services and a stronger emphasis on inclusive education. The law reinforced the requirement that students with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE), meaning they should be included in general education classrooms whenever possible. IDEA also provided more comprehensive protections and services for students with disabilities, including procedural safeguards for parents. -
IDEIA
IDEIA reauthorized IDEA, with an increased focus on early intervention, accountability, and research-based instruction. The act introduced the Response to Intervention (RTI) model, which aimed to provide support to struggling students within the general education setting before referring them to special education. This emphasis on early support and inclusion in the least restrictive environment further advanced the goals of educational equity for students with disabilities.