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Brown vs. The Board of Education
Declared "Separate is not equal." While initially based on the segregation of races in society, it has had an effect on the field as special education as well. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children vs. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Parents won not only to have traditional education for their children, but additional education tailored to children with intellectual disabilities. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112)
No qualified handicapped person shall be excluded or denied the benefits of any program or activity that receives federal funding. -
Education of All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142)
Builds off Section 504 to give those with disabilities the legal rights of Free and appropriate public education (FAPE), Least restrictive environment (LRE), and parents rights to control their child's educational needs. -
Amendments to the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 99-457)
Amendments to the initial passing of the act in 1975 to include the new need to provide all services to preschool aged children. -
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Public Law 101-336)
Improves and reinforces the already passed laws of Section 504 and related laws to now include autism and traumatic brain injury. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-336)
Prohibits discrimination of special needs individuals in adulthood for services such as telecommunications, transportation, and governmental bodies. -
Amendments to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 105-17)
Provides greater detail about who needs to be present during Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and different paperwork and procedures which are required for IEP documentation. Also requires states to track and document those with such disabilities. -
No Child Left Behind Act (Public Law 107-110)
Introduces standardized testing from 3rd to 8th grade (plus an additional in high school) in reading and mathematics. Includes procedures for tiers II and III intervention, as well as providing parents with more rights regarding their child's education. -
Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA)
Requires special education educators to have certification for such acts as well as puts in place greater methods for identifying and helping children with special needs earlier.