Supreme Court case that established segregated schools are unconstitutional
Not directly linked to Special Education but helped with equal education rights
Later helped with disability rights movements
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Prohibited discrimination by employers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or nationality.
Supported laws and efforts for equal rights
Helped provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities
Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965
Provided federal funding for education
Helped close the achievement gap for disadvantaged students
Began federal involvement through funding and policies in education
Extended to students with disabilities
Elementary & Secondary Education Act Amendments of 1970
Known as the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1970
Federal funds helped states in educating children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment
First federal law that later helped with more laws on special education
Gave more access to education and individualized learning for students with disabilities
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)
Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs getting federal funds
Provided support against discrimination for individuals with disabilities
Helped with accommodations and accessibility in schools
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975)
Required free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment for all children with disabilities
Was renamed in 1990 to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Ensures services and supports for children with disabilities
Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley (1982)
Supreme court case that established policies for determining whether a school district has met tasks to provide free appropriate public education
Gave clarification that FAPE does not require the best possible education
An individualized education program (IEP) needs to be created to help a child receive the best educational benefit
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)
ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in jobs, schools, transportation, and public/private places that are open to anyone from the public
Gave more protection outside of federally funded programs
Helped to promote inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2004)
A support of IDEA, IDEIA supported the role of parents in special education process
Gave access to general education curriculum for students with disabilities
Updated policies of IDEA to better address educational needs of student with disabilities
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (2015)
Replaced No Child Left Behind and reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Gave state flexibility, accountability, and support for underperforming schools
Continues to support inclusion and academic achievement of students with disabilities within the education system
