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Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act held within it Section 504 which provided people with disabilities reasonable accommodations under a 504 Plan. This became necessary after veterans returned from the Vietnam War. This act also ensured that federally funded buildings be accessible to all by including ramps for wheelchairs and other accommodations for people with disabilities. www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor65610
www.globaldisabilityrightsnow.org/law/usa/section-504-us-rehabilitation-act-1973 -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act, PL 94-142
This law ensured the right of children with a disability the right to a free, appropriate public education in all federally funded schools. It also provided opportunity for parents to voice their concerns regarding their child's education by way of a "dispute system." EHA was a crucial platform for more laws to come in the field of special education. www.specialednews.com/special-education-dictionary/eha---education-for-all-handicapped-children-act
www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/94/s6/text/enr -
Education for the Handicapped Act Amendments, PL 99-457
These amendments expanded the provisions of PL 94-142 by including infants and preschool children with disabilities. The amendments also revamped the way that preschool children and infants were assessed for disabilities and placed a huge emphasis on early experiences and intervention in a child's success for the future. It also focused on supporting the family unit alongside the child. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2801456
www.timetoast.com/timelines/timeline-of-special-education-administration -
No Child Left Behind
NCLB mandated that all schools test all children including those students with IEP's or 504 plans. Tests would need to be fair to all. NCLB also increased accountability of "at risk" students by putting a "spotlight" on them and commitment to bring everyone to where the government thinks they need to be academically. www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/nclb-learning-disabilities-opportunities-and-obstacles/
www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/no-child-left-behind-overview-definition-summary -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
This update to PL 94-142 sought to increase accountability for the achievement of all students with disabilities, increase early intervention activities, improve teacher quality, improve the referral process, and require that a child's IEP be put into place with a multidisciplinary team. IDEA ensures a student the right to a LRE and non-discriminatory assessments. www.understandingspecialeducation.com/IEP-law
Overton, 2011, p. 29, 37
joannasross.yolasite.com/idea-2004-part2.php