Special Education Law Timeline

Fair Housing Act

1968

This act restricts discrimination based on race , color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or presence of children when renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing.

Architectural Barriers Act

1968

Requires that buildings and facilities that are designed, constructed, or altered with federal funds, or leased by a federal agency to comply with federal standards for accessibility.

Rehabilitation Act

1973

This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any federally run or funded programs. It also discusses disability discrimination in all federal agencies, programs conducted by the feds, and federal contractors.

Education For All Handicapped Children Act

1975

This was the first special education law directed towards students with mental and physical special needs. This law states public schools must provide students with special needs the same educational opportunities as other children, as well as one free meal a day.

Voting Accesibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act

1984

This act requires polling places across the United States to be physically accessible to people with disabilities for federal elections. If there is no place with accessibility to serve as a polling place, a political division must provide an alternative way to caste a ballot on the day of the election.

Air Carrier Access Act

1986

This act prohibits discrimination in air transportation by both domestic and foreign air carriers against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. This act applies only to air carriers that have regularly scheduled services for hire to the public.

Individuals With Disabilities Act

1990

This law was created as a modification of the Education For All Handicapped Children Act. Under this act, special needs students must be offered appropriate free public school education in an all inclusive environment to meet the students needs. This allows students to receive extra assistance but still participate in activities with students around who do not have special needs.

National Voter Registration Act

1993

Also known as the "Motor Voter Act", the National Voter Registration Act makes it easier for all Americans to exercise their right to vote. This act was implemented to increase the historically low voter rate in minorities and people who are disabled due to discrimination.

Telecommunications Act

1996

This act requires that people who are disabled have access to telephones, cell phones, pagers, call waiting and operator services. Manufactures of telephone equipment and providers are required to make sure that equipment and services are accessible and usable by those with disabilities. This act amended the communications act of 1934 and was the first time that the internet was included in broadcasting and spectrum allotment.

No Child Left Behind

2001

This act, also known as the Elementary and Second Education Act, forced schools to be accountable for the academic performance of all students. This act required schools in each state to develop routine assessments of their students academics. This act provides incentives for schools to demonstrate progress in those with special need, and allows students to look for other options of schooling if the school they are currently at is not meeting their needs.