-
Willowbrook
Willowbrook State School was known as a state-supported institution for children who were mentally disabled and had a max of about 4000. By 1965, there were an exceeding 2000 children in the institution. Senator Robert Kennedy toured the institution and claimed these children were "living in filth and dirt, their clothing in rags, in rooms less comfortable and cheerful that the cages in which we put animals in the zoo". He offered a series of recommendations for improving these conditions. -
National Plan to Combat Mental Retardation
JFK gathered a specific panel of experts to develop this plan, and annouces and asks for support for new resources to address the needs of people with mental retardation and mental illness (these being the words used in 1960s). -
Educational Amendments Act
Exceptional learners in each state are granted federal funds for programming and provides the first federal funding for students who are gifted and talented. Also grants students and families the right of due process in special education placement. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
This was known as the Mainstreaming Law. This law required states to provide a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities and IEPs. -
Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District vs. Rowley
First special education case to land in the US Supreme Court. Students who qualify for special education services must have access to public school programs that meet their needs, and that the programs must be supported by services that enable students to benefit from instruction. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This act prohibites discrimination against people with disbilities in the private sector and also protects equal opportunity to employment and public services, accomodations, transportation, and telecommunications. People with AIDS were also included in the definition of a disability -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This act was to ensure that schools were assuming responsibility that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum. Special educators are also able to assist general education students when needed. A general education teacher is required to be a part of the IEP team. Students with disabilties are required to take part in statewide and sitrcitwide assessments. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
This act increased the performance of elementary and secondary schools by increasing accountability for all students, including those with special needs. Gave flexibility to states use of federal funds and implements early reading interventions. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
Increases federal funds to provide early intervention services to students who do not need special education. This act allows districts to use a RTI model for determining whether a child has a specific learning disability. An early intervention that does not require the child to have severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability to qualify. Raises standards for special education licensure.
