Major Special Education Litigation and Legislation

Brown v. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

This Supreme Court ruling set the precedent that “separate but equal” education it unconstitutional.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act

Jul 29, 1975

This was the first law that called for special education services. It guaranteed students with disabilities a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Oct 30, 1990

This was a reauthorization of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. It was renamed at this time to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Cedar Rapids Community School District v. Garret F.

Mar 3, 1999

In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that medical services that do not have to be provided by a doctor must be provided by the school if they are necessary for the student to benefit from his/her education.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Nov 2, 2012

This law said that all public businesses must be made accessible to people with disabilities. It also said the employers with more the 30 employees must make reasonable accommodations as needed to employees with disabilities.