Special Education in U.S.

Council for Exceptional Children CEC

1922

Founded in 1922, CEC is a professional organization advocating for the educational success of individuals with disabilities and talents, offering resources and support to educators and parents involved in special education.

Brown v. Board of Education

1954

This landmark Supreme Court case declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional, laying the groundwork for future civil rights movements, including those advocating for equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities.

Section 504

1969

Prohibiting discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs, Section 504 was a pivotal legislation ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to education and other public activities.

Public Law 94-142

1975

This federal law mandated that public schools provide a free and appropriate education to all students with disabilities, marking a significant step toward inclusive education and the development of individualized education programs (IEPs).

NCLD

1977

Focused on improving the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, NCLD provides advocacy, resources, and support for parents and educators, contributing to the advancement of special education practices and policies.

IDEA

1990

IDEA expanded on previous legislation, reinforcing the rights of students with disabilities and their parents, emphasizing inclusive education, early intervention, and the provision of transition services for a smoother transition into adulthood.

ADA

1990

This comprehensive civil rights law prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public life, ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities, transportation, and public facilities. ADA

Olmstead v. L.C.

1999

A landmark Supreme Court decision, Olmstead held that the unjustified segregation of people with disabilities constitutes discrimination, affirming the importance of community integration, including in educational settings.

No Child Left Behind

2001

While primarily focused on education standards, NCLB emphasized the inclusion of students with disabilities in state assessments, promoting accountability and efforts to improve academic outcomes for all students.

ESSA

2015

Replacing NCLB, ESSA continued to address the inclusion of students with disabilities in educational assessments, accountability systems, and interventions, while providing states with more flexibility in designing their education systems.