Special Education Laws

Brown V. The Board of Education

May 17, 1954

Brown v. The Board of Education laid the foundation for a fair chance at education for all individuals. While the trial was started for black rights, it also allowed for new opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

Apr 11, 1965

This law provided addition funding for education. This allowed for things such as free and reduced lunches and more help for students with learning disabilities and students in poverty.

Educational Amendments Act

Jun 23, 1972

This law provided financial assistance to students with disabilities.

Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)

Sep 26, 1973

The VRA gives people with disabilities better opportunities for a fair education employment.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)

Nov 29, 1975

Required districts to provide a free public education to all students including ones with disabilities.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Jul 26, 1990

Stopped discrimination against people with disabilities and protected their rights for equal oppurtunity.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Public Law 101-476)

Oct 30, 1990

Included the first use of people-first-language and redefined the requirements of due process.

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

Jan 8, 2002

This law started to hold individual schools and districts accountable for student learning and achievement.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (Public Law 108-446)

Dec 3, 2004

Introduced the response-to-intervention (RTI) model. Also updated the standards for IEPs.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Dec 10, 2015

This did essentially the same thing as NCLB but is much more flexible which allows districts to set their own standards.