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Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Lyndon B. Johnson signed this act and it was an act that provided funding primary education. This funding also led to advocacy groups across the country to allow access to public schooling for students with disabilities. -
Mills V. The Board of Education
This case established that all students in public schools were to have equal rights. Before 1972, public schools didn't allow students with special needs to attend school. After this case, the court found that free and public education services or suitable paid-for private services must be provided to all students, including those students with disabilities. -
The Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act, is enacted; Section 504 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs conducted by federal agencies, receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment and in the employment practices of federal contractors. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Education for All Handicapped Children Act is passed ensuring landmark legislation, along with other provisions, a free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities. -
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments are enacted mandating a special education for preschoolers with disabilities and incentives for providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers. It necessitated states to make available appropriate and free public education to children ages 3 through 5 who are disabled -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Americans with Disabilities Act becomes law and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (commonly known as IDEA), is passed; among other provisions, emphasizing transition planning for adolescents with disabilities. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
This act was passed during the Bush Administration and held schools accountable for student performance though measurement of standardized tests. It included students of minorities and those with disabilities. If a school makes adequate yearly progress (AYP), it is granted more flexibility in how its federal funding can be used. Families were granted the option to enroll in a different school if their school was failing. -
Rosa’s law
Rosa’s law is enacted and removes the terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" from federal health, education, and labor statutes. The preferred language is now "intellectual disability." -
Every Student Succeeds Act
President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law. This legislation is the 7th re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act first passed in 1965 and, until now, known as the No Child Left Behind Act. The aim of the ESSA was to preserve the spirit and intent of NCLB while improving some of the perceived flaws and deficiencies Although this new legislation retains an emphasis on accountability, high standards, and student achievement,
