Special Education Laws

By mjina

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112)

    It is illegal to discriminate due to having a disability.Disabled individuals have the same legal rights to programs as everyone else. Individuals with speech, manual, and sensory impairments are legally entitled to resources to assist them.

  • Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-142)

    Students with disabilities have legal rights to:
    FAPE (free and appropriate public education)
    LRE (least restrictive environment)
    Appropriate accommodations and modifications for assessments and IEP.
    Parents/guardians have right to view their child's records
    Parents must be informed of any changes in their child's education
    Parents may reject anything on their child's record or any changes in placements.

  • Amendments to the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 99-457)

    All rights provided under the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, FAPE, LRE, IEP, and parental involvement apply to preschool children.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 (Public Law 101-336)

    Added Autism and traumatic brain injury to disabilities. Made assistive technology more accessible. Included thirteen disabilities: Autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, health impairment, specific learning disabilities, speech or language disability, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment (including blindness).

  • Americans to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 105-17)

    Specifies who needs to be present during an IEP meeting. IDEAs disciplinary standards and regulations were updated. States are required to track and document performance, growth, and evolution of each special needs students.

  • No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110)

    Requires all students from 3rd-8th grade, and all additional high school year, take an annual government designed assessment in Math and Reading. Parents are allowed choices when selecting schools and school districts. Reinforces elementary and secondary education along with other contributions to the American Education System.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA)

    Students with disabilities must be taught by qualified, licensed, and certified teachers. 15% of special education funds must go to general education to assist special needs children who have not been identified. New methods to recognize and classify SPED students. Discrepancy rates no longer are required. IEP short term goals are not required. School must identify a parent replacement for disabled students who are homeless or the responsibility of the court of law.