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Brown vs. Board of Education
In the case of Brown vs. Board of Education, they stated segregation in public schools is not constitutional under the 14th amendment. This brought attention to black vs. whites and special needs students vs. general education students. This made it so everyone no matter their color, gender, or specific needs equal in the school system. This also informed the public of the needs for special education programs. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was signed and put into law by Lyndon B. Johnson. This act was initiated to strengthen and improve educational quality and educational opportunities in the Nation's elementary and secondary schools. This provided states with direct grants to help educate children with disabilities. -
Mills vs. Board of Education
The Mills vs. Board of Education was initiated because seven students were denied public education in the District of Columbia. They were denied due to their disabilities and the expenses that the school would have to make to accommodate them. The United States District Court for the District of Columbia declared that students with disabilities are entitled to an education regardless of additional accommodations and costs for the school. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
President Gerald Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act into law. This law guarantees free, appropriate public education to every child across each state in the United States. This assures every child with a disability will receive a free and appropriate education to fit their needs. -
Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
The case of Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District vs. Rowley was the first interpretation of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. This Act states that all students who qualify for special education programs must be provided with individual instruction to better fit their individual needs. -
Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986
This act revised the Education for Handicapped Children Act from 1975. It authorizes an early intervention program for handicapped infants and toddlers. This mandated that each state is to provide services to families of disabled children from the time they are born. President Regan signed this bill on October 8th, 1986. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life including: school, work, and anywhere open to the public. The ADA was signed into law by George W. Bush. This act is divided into four sections called Titles. Title I covers employment. Title II covers public entities and transportation. Title III covers public accommodation and commercial facilities. Title VI covers telecommunications. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), previously known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, ensures that all children with disabilities receive free education and related services to help with their individual needs. In 1990, this act added traumatic brain injury and autism as new disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997
In 1997, more amendments were signed into law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA provides free public education for all children with disabilities from preschool through high school. IDEA also prepares students for employment and individual living. This law also improved parents' involvement in their child's individual education program (IEP). -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was the main law of general education from 2002-2015. This was signed into law by George W. Bush and held schools accountable for students outcomes. NCLB is important for children with learning disabilities because it ensures they reach high levels of academic standards. This improved the quality of special education programs by hiring trained professionals to work with student's unique needs.