-
Period: to
years
-
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1971)
(PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 1971 established a crucial legal precedent by affirming that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free public education. This decision mandated that public schools provide educational services to children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their condition. This case was instrumental in shaping future special education laws and practices. -
Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia (1972)
The case of Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia in 1972 reinforced the right to education for all children with disabilities, further building on the legal principles established in the PARC case. The court ruled that the District of Columbia could not exclude children with disabilities from public schools and must provide appropriate educational services. -
"Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)"
This federal law was the first to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, stating that no qualified person with a disability could be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Section 504 laid the groundwork for future legislation regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities, including the requirement for accommodations in schools and other public entities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 required public schools to provide equal access to education for children with disabilities. This landmark legislation mandated that schools develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure tailored educational opportunities for all students with disabilities. For more information about this act, visit the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDDjl7Fuw_4 -
Inclusion Movement (1980s-1990s): A shift in special education to include students with disabilities in general education classrooms.
The Inclusion Movement during the 1980s and 1990s marked a significant shift in special education, emphasizing the integration of students with disabilities into general education classrooms. This movement promoted the idea that students with disabilities should learn alongside their peers in less restrictive environments, with appropriate support and accommodations. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces open to the general public. The ADA aims to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1990)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 is an updated version of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. IDEA expanded the rights of children with disabilities by emphasizing the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensuring access to education in the least restrictive environment. This law was pivotal in advancing inclusive education practices and supporting the rights of students with disabilities to receive appropriate education. -
Unified Sports Programs (2000s)
Unified Sports Programs, officially launched in the early 2000s, are initiatives designed to integrate athletes with and without intellectual disabilities into sports teams. These programs, a key component of the Special Olympics, promote inclusion, teamwork, and mutual respect by allowing students with disabilities to participate alongside their peers in competitive sports. -
No Child Left Behind Act (2001)
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 aimed to improve educational outcomes by increasing accountability for schools and ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, receive a high-quality education. The law mandated standardized testing and required schools to demonstrate adequate yearly progress, with specific provisions for students with disabilities to receive appropriate accommodations and support. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and continued the focus on educational accountability while providing flexibility to states and schools. ESSA emphasized the need for high academic standards and accountability while giving states greater control over education policies and the implementation of support for students with disabilities. It maintained requirements for inclusive education and individualized support but aimed to reduce the high-stakes