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1990 BCE
Americans with Disabilities Act
Prohibits discrimination based on disability. This is similar to the Rehabilitation Act but extends into the private sector. (Rothstein & Johnson, 2014). -
Brown vs. Board of Education
Although used to determine that segregation based on race was unconstitutional, it also led the way to a growing understanding that all people (no matter the race, gender, or disability) have a right to public education. (Esteves & Rao, 2008). This was the beginning of students with disabilities being able to be in the general education classroom with peers their age. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Lead schools to receive federal public education funds. There was an amendment added that set aside fund specifically for students with disabilities. (Esteves & Rao, 2008). This allowed special education programs to provide the necessary materials and equipment for their students. -
Rehabilitation Act
This includes Section 504, stating that no person, based on their disability, should be excluded from or subjected to discrimination under any program that receives federal financial assistance. (Rothstein & Johnson, 2014). Public education programs cannot deny a student based on their disability. -
Congress passed IDEA
Amended in 1997 and 2004. IDEA ensures all students with disabilities have the right to free appropriate public education (FAPE), that students with disabilities and their parents' rights are protected, and assists states, educational agencies, and federal agencies in providing education to all students with disabilities. (Rothstein & Johnson, 2014). -
Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
Determined that students who qualify for special education must receive services that their unique education needs. It also determined that students with disabilities are entitled to an IEP that will facilitate learning. (Esteves & Rao, 2008). This court case starts differentiation and the expectation that students will receive what they need to be successful. -
Amendment to IDEA
provides coverage to children under the age of three as long as the child fits into one of the categories of disability provided by the law and needs special education or related services. (Rothstein & Johnson, 2014). This allows for early intervention to happen for those students who have already been diagnosed with a disability. -
More Amendments to IDEA were established
These amendments included the requirement of writing measurable annual goals, assessing progress, increasing parent involvement in the development of the IEP, and reporting goal progress to parents. (Esteves & Rao, 2008). This is important because parents now have a say in the education that their child is receiving, and the goals are producing data to measure progress. -
No Child Left Behind
Three requirements in this Act were developing standards with high expectations for all students, statewide testing, and personnel requirements. After being amended in 2004 students with disabilities were evaluated on Adequate Yearly Progress instead of focusing on academic achievements and test scores. (Rothstein & Johnson, 2014). We need to meet children where they are and work on growth from there to eliminate gaps and holes in their learning. -
Congress Amends the Definition of Disability
For both the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act, the new definition includes individuals who “have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, have a record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having such an impairment.” (Rothstein & Johnson, 2014). This was important because there are more disability categories that can now be covered under IDEA law.