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Thomas Jefferson
In 1779, Thomas Jefferson proposed an idea that the poor should be provided an education. This idea was rejected by the wealthy class, because they did not fee they should be paying for the education of the poor through the use of their taxes. (Villa & Thousand 2005) -
First Educational Program for Individuals with Disabilities
Thomas Gallaudet helped develop the first program in education for students with disabilities in 1817. Soon afterwards, other states began to follow their lead and many states provided institutions for individuals with disabilities. (Villa & Thousand 2005) -
"Separate but Equal" Mandate
The concept of creating a separate but equal setting began in Massachusetts and followed throughout the United States. This mandate promoted racial segregation. (Villa & Thousand 2005) -
"Separate but Equal"
In 1896, the Supreme Court allocated the "separate but equal" idea of educating certain individuals separately. Typically students in these schools would choose to leave school to begin employment early (Villa & Thousand 2005). -
Willowbrook State School
This school was developed for students with intellectual disabilities in the city of New York. It was operated until 1987. The building was designed to support 4,000 residents, but in 1965 the population was over 6,000. At that time Senator Robert Kennedy declared the conditions unacceptable. -
Brown Vs Board of Education
The Supreme Court ruled that "separate is not equal" and that elementary and secondary schools cannot segregate based on race. This was the corner stone for schools to allow integration to occur (Villa & Thousand 2005). -
The Maternal and Child Health and Mental Retardation Planning Act
This law was signed into effect by John F. Kennedy, and it provided $265 million over a five year span to support institutions for mental health. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This act played an important role in providing equal rights for education. Lyndon B. Johnson signed this document which made it illegal to discriminate based on race. -
PARC Vs Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) declared it a right for children with mental retardation to attend public schools. This was the first step in allowing all children with a variety of disabilities to attend public schools. -
The Family Educational Rights Act of 1973
Parents have the right to review any records that the school has collected on their child. These records include any grades placed on report cards, the child's contact information, any disciplinary reports, Schools have 45 days to honor their request of a parent. They may also ask the parent to put the request in writing if the request is for an outside source to view the records. -
Rehabilitation Act Section 504
The Rehabilitation Act Section 504 states that any establishment that receives money from the government cannot discriminate based on an individuals disability. Therefore if a student needs assistance because a factor is affecting their learning, the school must provide accommodations (Villa & Thousand 2005). -
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act
Prior to this act, adults with disabilities were often placed in institutions where neglect and abuse was frequently seen. This law protected individuals with disabilities from abuse and would ensure their rights were protected. This program was federally funded and is now known as the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD). -
PL 94-142 Education for all Handicapped Children Act
The Education for all Handicapped Children Act was created by Gerald Ford and it states that all children, regardless of their disability, are entitled to a free public education. It also gave a list of procedures to help identify the needs of a child, and it gave the parents of these children rights to parents to argue against the services that are being offered for their child. -
Department of Education Vs Katherine D
Katherine, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, used a tracheotomy tube to help her breathe and she could not communicate the way other children did. The doctors recommendation for Katherine's health care could not be met in the public school setting, so a homebound program was set in place. Katherine's parents contested the decision on her IEP, and it was ruled that homebound was not her Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). -
BOE Hendrick Hudson Central School District Vs Rowley
This Supreme Court decision led the way for lower courts to follow by declaring that students who qualify for special education must have opportunities to participate in public education programs with services being provided for them. -
No Child Left Behind Act
PL 107-110 was signed into law in 2002. This law required states to give all students in specific grades and achievement test to show adequate yearly progress. Teachers are required to be trained in the subjects they teach, and their teaching strategies must be research based. -
Reimbursement for Special Education
The Supreme Court ruled that parents can seek to be reimbursed for the cost of private school even if they haven't had services in a public school.
