Special Education Timeline

Brown v. Board of Education

1954

School children from four different states argued that segregated public schools were unequal and they were being deprived of a good education. Supreme court decision ended racial segregation in public schools. This gave parents of children with disabilities encouragement to stand up for their children being excluded in public schools.

President’s Panel on Mental Retardation Established

1961

President John F. Kennedy's establishment of the President's Panel on Mental Retardation in 1961 marked a significant step towards addressing the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The panel played a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for research, and fostering initiatives to improve the lives of those affected by mental retardation.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

1965

ESEA is federal law aimed at providing financial assistance to local educational agencies to ensure equal educational opportunities for disadvantaged students.

First Starbucks open in Seattle, Washington

1971

Congressional Investigation

1972

Two cases, PARC and Mills, forced Congress to launch an investigation into the status of education children with disabilities were receiving. They found that millions of children were not receiving an appropriate education.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)

1975

Congress mandated that all children with disabilities have a right to free public education. This also ensured that they would have an appropriate education tailored to their specific needs.

The start of the Colombian Drug Wars

1976

I added this date because the height of the Colombian drug wars and the rule of Pablo Escobar was the reason so many Colombians left and moved to the US, including my grandparents and my mother, which is why I am here today.

NC State University wins National Championship Game

1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

1990

Civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, public services, and accommodations. By ensuring equal opportunities and access to services, ADA has played an important role in promoting inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and fostering a more accessible and equitable society for people with disabilities.

No Child Left Behind Act

2001

This act was about holding schools accountable for student outcomes. An education reform that aimed to improve student achievement in U.S. schools, putting a special focus on certain groups, such as students in special education, and poor and minority children, whose achievements usually trailed their peers.

I was born

Nov 4, 2002

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

2004

Congress called for earlier intervention, greater accountability, and better outcomes for students with disabilities. IDEA ensures the implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs), promotes inclusive education practices, and establishes procedural safeguards to protect the rights of children with disabilities and their parents within the educational system.

Apple introduces the first IPhone

2007