Special Education Key Legislation

  • Barden-LaFollette Vocational Rehabilitation Act

    Those with cognitive impairments or mental illness are eligible for vocational rehabilitation. Rotatori, A. F., Obiakor, F. E., Bakken, J. P. (2011)
  • Brown vs. Board of Education

    After the decision, Executive Director of the then-named "National Association for Retarded Children" drew attention to parents and disability advocacy groups
  • National Defense Education Act

    Provides funds for training professionals to train teachers of students with cognitive impairment. Rotatori, A. F., Obiakor, F. E., Bakken, J. P. (2011)
  • Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA)

    Enacted by President Lyndon B. Johnson, it distributed federal funds to public schools which was used for supplemental educational services, educational research and training, and special education services. https://ldaamerica.org/a-timeline-of-learning-disability-history-2/ Rotatori, A. F., Obiakor, F. E., Bakken, J. P. (2011)
  • Children with Specific Learning Disabilities Act

    This includes the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970 and the first time federal law mandates support services for students with learning disabilities. Timeline of Learning Disabilities (n.d.) A Timeline of Learning Disability History (n.d.).
  • P.A.R.C. & Mills

    P.A.R.C vs. Pennsylvania and Mills vs. Board of Education of the District of Columbia are two cases that used the Brown decision to address the issue of education for children with disabilities.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Requires any recipient of federal financial assistance to provide accomodations to eligible students with disabilities. It is also one of the first laws to include disabilities in civil rights. Rotatori, A. F., Obiakor, F. E., Bakken, J. P. (2011)
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)

    Guarantees children with learning disabilities will receive a free and appropriate public education and all children must receive services in the least restrictive environment possible for them to attend school. A Timeline of Learning Disability History (n.d.). Rotatori, A. F., Obiakor, F. E., Bakken, J. P. (2011)
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    Formerly known as the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, it requires school districts to demonstrate that students are achieving "adequate yearly progress" through their performance on standardized tests. Rotatori, A. F., Obiakor, F. E., Bakken, J. P. (2011)