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Brown v. Board of Education
This may not seem too influential in regards to special education, but this was the first court case that the U.S. Supreme Court sided with students who experienced inequality in public schools. It would pave the way for many future court cases, many having to do with special education. -
Education of the Handicapped Act
The passing of this act was an expansion of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Part of the ESEA was a grant program that suggested states to create and improve programs for students with disabilities. The revision of the Education of the Handicapped Act provided continued support for the states, but provided no definite guidelines. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act
Prohibits the discrimination of special needs children in public schools and in jobs where public funding is provided. This act also defines the words handicapped person and appropriate education. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The passing of this law requires the idea of a free and appropriate education be extended to students with disabilities. It also requires the the use of IEPs (individualized education programs). Another point of this act was the defining of the least restrictive environment. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The passing of this law extends the prohibition of discrimination of people with disabilities to the private sector. This includes the equal opportunity of employment services, accommodations, and transportation. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This law replaces the EAHCA. It establishes people-first language. It also extends the definition of special education to include assistive technology, rehabilitation services, and social work. It also provides the requirement of transitional services for all individuals with disabilities. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
Created to improve the performance of American elementary and secondary schools and ensure that no student is trapped in a failing school. It increased school and teacher accountability and provided earlier reading interventions for students needing them. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
Allows states to use Response to Intervention (RTI) as a way to find out if an individual has a disability and qualifies for special education. Another part of this act increased the federal funds provided for early intervention services for students who do not need special education services. An important part for my education, was the increased requirements to attain a special education license.
