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Brown vs. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483, (1954)
Supreme Court ruled that segregation in schools is unconstitutional. Students with disabilities were included in this ruling. This signaled the end of segregation and provided an opportunity for all students. -
Diana vs State Board of Education (1970)
This originated because 9 Spanish-speaking students were placed in a special education classroom because they were English language learners and did not pass the assessments in English. The outcome was that students could not be placed in Special education based on their language barrier. It required schools to test students in the language they feel the most comfortable with. -
Mills vs. Board of Education of the District of Columbia (1972)
Seven children were denied education because of the cost of their accommodations. Mills was one of the first cases that guaranteed rights for students with disabilities. Free public education, regardless of the cost to the school, was protected for all students. -
Civil Right Legislation Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
It was the first public law that ensured protection for children and adults from discrimination due to a disability. It allowed all individuals to participate in any program and receive federal funding. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975)
This requires all public schools accepting federal funding to provide equal access to children with disabilities. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)
This act took the nation to the next level. Previously, things were beginning to align in education, preventing discrimination and ensuring free public education. The ADA prohibits discrimination for people with a disability in employment, transportation, and public accommodations. It created a world where everyone had equal opportunity and treatment. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997)
This was previously the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Amendments were made, emphasizing curriculum and support services. This provided a transition for students from high school to adulthood. The goal was to allow students to have peers and learn the same curriculum that all students were using. -
Assistive Technology Act (1998)
Provides assistive technology to persons with disability so they can fully participate in education or employment. Examples of assistive technology are screen readers, voice recognition software, braille displays, and large print materials. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA)
IDEA 2004 required special education supplemental aids and services outlined in a student's IEP to be based on peer-reviewed research. The revisions also included providing every student with a high school diploma if they have specific accommodations, instead of graduation being measured by grades. -
No Child Left Behind Act (2001)
President George Bush's commitment to educational reform and accountability. The goal of the law is that all children, including those in special education, will demonstrate proficiency in math, reading and science. Trying to reach the goals of this law later implemented Common Core Standards (2019).