Special Education History

Brown v. Board of Education

Jan 1, 1954

The brown decision led the way to a growing understanding that all people, regardless of race, gender, or disability, that they have a right to public education.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act

Apr 9, 1965

This act addressed the inequality of educational opportunity for unprivileged children.

Mills v. Board of Education

Jan 1, 1972

Children should have access to education no matter their disability.

Congressional Investigation

Jun 1, 1972

Congress launched an investigation and found that children with disabilities were not getting an education.

Rehabilitation Act

Feb 15, 1973

This act guaranteed civil rights for the disabled

Public Law (PL)

Jan 15, 1975

This act required all public schools accepting federal funds to provide equal access to education.

The Education For all Handicapped Children Act

Jun 18, 1975

This act gave children with disabilities specific legal rights to an education.

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

Nov 19, 1975

This law focused on insuring that children with disabilities have access to education.

Americans with Disability Act

Jul 26, 1990

This Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

Dec 3, 2004

On December 3, 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was amended again. it is now known as the IDEA.