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1965 – ESEA
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which supports many initiatives that help low-income families across high-quality education programs. This act includes provisions for free and reduced lunches and additional teachers in disadvantaged communities. This applies to children who need additional support to benefit from public school education programs. https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/programs/education/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-of-1965/ -
1973 – VRA
Vocational Rehabilitation Act, which defines a handicapped person. It also defines appropriate education and prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in federally funded programs. -
1974 – EAA
Educational Amendments Act, grants federal funds to states for programming for exceptional learners. It provides the first federal funding of state programs for students who are gifted or talented. Lastly, it grants students and families the right of due process in special education placement. -
1975 – EAHCA
Education for All Handicapped Children Act, known as the Mainstreaming Law. Requires states to provide a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities (ages 3 to 5). Requires individualized education programs (IEPs). First defined least restrictive environment. -
1986 – EHAA
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments requires states to extend free and appropriate education to children with disabilities (ages 3 to 5). Establishes early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities (ages birth to 2 years). -
1990 – ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act. Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector. Protects equal opportunity to employment and public services, accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. It also defines disability to include people with AIDS. -
1997 – IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Requires that all students with disabilities continue to receive services, even if they have been expelled from school. Allows states to extend their use of the developmental delay category for students through age 9. Requires schools to assume greater responsibility for ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgwstMsPvd4 -
2004 – IDEIA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act is a United States law that mandates equity, accountability, and excellence in education for children with disabilities. It raises standards for special education licensure and adopts policies designed to prevent the disproportionate representation of students in special education by race and ethnicity.