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First Public Special Education Class
Beginning of Special Education As teachers in Public Schools were aware of the increasing numbers of students with disabilities in most school environments, it was evident that special classes and teachers were needed to educate these students. During this time frame, such students were labeled as "backward" or "feebleminded." Rhode Island opened the first public special education class in the United States in 1896. -
Board v. Board of Education
School children from four states made an argument about segregated public schools were unequal and didn't protect them of equal protections of the laws. Therefore, in 1954, the Supreme Court found segregated school to be unconstitutional and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC)
Courts sided were on the side of students with intellectual and learning disabilities by ensuring such students are placed in a publicly funded school settings that met their specific and individual needs. The victory that resulted from the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) versus Commonwealth of Pennsylvania set the tone for all students to obtain an educational opportunities no matter their needs. -
Mills v. Board of Education
This ruling declares that it is unlawful for the District of Columbia Board of Education to deny "exceptional" students (defined as students who are mentally handicapped, emotionally disturbed or hyperactive) admission to public schools with no alternative placement. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities. Under Section 504, a free appropriate public education is provided to each qualified student with a disability that requires services and instruction to meet their unique needs. The goal of Section 504 is to create 504 Plans that will remove barriers to promote learning. SECTION 504 -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) of 1975
The EAHCA mandates that public schools that receive financial support from the federal government must give students with disabilities non-discriminatory access to all education and food programs. As well as ensuring parents of students with disabilities have an active role in creating and implementing their child's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). EAHCA -
Board of Education v. Rowley
This act requires the State to provide personalized instruction with sufficient support services to permit the handicapped child to benefit educationally from that instruction in order to satisfy the requirement of a free appropriate public education. Under this law, such instruction and services must be provided at public expense and must comport with the child's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). -
Handicapped Children’s Protection Act (HCPA) of 1986
The HCPA builds on the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) of 1975. The HCPA ensures educators keep parents of children with disabilities informed of all decisions made concerning their child's education. The HCPA also promotes school administrators, educators, and parents are working together with a common goal of ensuring the child with disability receives proper assistance, support, and accommodations to be successful in their learning environment. -
American with Disabilities Act (1990)
This act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in several areas including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government agencies. In essence, this act ensures equal opportunities for individuals with disability no matter the location they are in. -
Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
President Clinton signed the bill into law on June 4, 1997. This act is referred as reauthorization legislation is called the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997." This act strengthens academic expectations and accountability. This act ensures students are in the least restrictive environment and allow students with disabilities access to general education curriculum.