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Brown v. Board of Education
Integration into public schools was introduced by Brown v. Board of Education. The idea emphasized by this law is that the only way to protect students' constitutional rights to a free and equal public education is to ensure that a diverse group of students learn together. This case led the way to a growing understanding that all people, regardless of race, gender, or disability, have a right to public education. -
John F. Kennedy's Bills Become Law
Two acts were signed into law by President John F. Kennedy. The Maternal and Child Health and Mental Retardation Planning Act granted $265 million in federal aid over five years to support programs for the mentally retarded and the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Construction Act granted $330 million over five years for new buildings to serve disabled citizens. -
Pate v. Robinson
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that a hearing about competency to stand trial is required under the due process clause of the Constitution of the United States. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments of 1966
This law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson established the first federal grant program for the education of children and youth with disabilities at the local school level, rather than at state operated schools and institutions. It established the Board of Education of the Handicapped and the National Advisory Council (now the National Council on Disability). -
P.A.R.C. v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This lawsuit indicated that all mentally retarded persons are capable of benefitting from a program of education and training and it is the state’s obligation to place each mentally retarded child in a free, public program of education and training appropriate to the child’s capacity. -
Mills v. Board of Education
Mills expanded the impact of the P.A.R.C. case beyond children with developmental disabilities.The Court held that no child could be denied a public education because of “mental, behavioral, physical or emotional handicaps or deficiencies.” The Court further noted that failure to provide such an education could not be excused by the claim of insufficient funds. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) states that public schools, amongst other federally financed agencies, must end discrimination in the offering of its services to persons with disabilities. Some students, not eligible for help under other special education laws, can receive help under Section 504 which deems a student in need of aid if there is a factor that negatively affects their learning or ability to function in the school setting. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act
President Gerald Ford's Act mandated a free appropriate public education for all disabled children regardless of the nature or severity of the child's disability. This Act is now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All students with disabilities must have an individual education plan (IEP), a free and appropriate public education, and be served in the least restrictive environment. -
Fair Housing Amendments Act
The Fair Housing Amendments Act made it unlawful to discriminate in any aspect of selling or renting housing or to deny a dwelling to a buyer or renter because of the disability of that individual. it also requires owners of housing facilities to make reasonable exceptions in their policies to afford people with disabilities equal housing opportunities. -
Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act
The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act generally requires polling places across the United States to be physically accessible to people with disabilities for federal elections. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act
George W. Bush signed the ADA which is a broad civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in many settings such as employment, state and local government activities, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications relay services.
