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1965: Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) passed
After this act was passed, the government was responsible for protecting and providing for all students, including those who came from disadvantage backgrounds. States were encouraged to improve their programs for students with disabilities and were offered grants. This act was and is considered the most influential law affecting education passed by congress.
https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/programs/education/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-of-1965/ -
1973: Vocational Rehabilitation Act
The VRA protects anyone with disabilities from discrimination in an education system. Any program that accepts funds from the stat must comply with this act. Not only does this act cover an academic setting but it also covers the work places of these individuals.This law has created more equality and opened up more opportunities for these individuals. -
1974: Educational Amendments Act
This act was an act to grant federal funds for exceptional learners. The grant included gifted and talented learners. This act also grants students and families the right of due process in the special education placement. -
1975: Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Also known as the Mainstreaming Law, this act was first defined as the least restrictive environment. States are now required to provide free education to students with disabilities. It also requires schools to provide individualized education programs (IEP's) for students. -
1986: Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments
States are now required to expand free education for disabled students as young as the age of 3. Programs for early intervention are established for ages birth to 2 years. -
1990: Americans with Disabilities Act
Ensures all disabled Americans are included and have equality. Includes Americans with AIDS.This act included autism and traumatic brain injury as disability. It also expanded to have bilingual education programs for individuals with disabilities. This act was very influential in education for the disabled.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XMndYNEGFA -
1997: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Ensures that all students with disabilities are getting free services, even if expelled for behavior. Changes requirements for states and their teachers that are included in IEP programs.This act also allows disabled students to have more access to the general curriculum. -
2004: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
Allows schools to use RTI model to understand the students learning disability. Funds are increased for early intervention programs. Standards are raised for special education licensure.