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American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly the American Association on Mental Retardation)
First Professional American association concerned with the intellectual and developmental disabilities. Formed to advocate for people with mental and developmental disabilities. Currently work to promote progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
Supreme Court case that unanimously ruled racial segregation in the public schools as unconstitutional because it violated the 14th amendment of the constitution. A huge progression forwards for racial segregation, but also had implications for individuals with disabilities, as they were often excluded completely from public education. Integration meant not only all races, but individuals with disabilities as well. https://tinyurl.com/ycbm8xfs -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
Allowed for the implementation of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Procedural Due Process, Nondiscriminatory Assessment, Parental Participation, the concept of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and the development of the Individualized Education Program. -
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments
Mandates that states offer interdisciplinary educational services to disabled toddlers, infants, while also allowing families of those children to receive financial grants. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Renamed Education for All Handicapped Children Act to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Added that there must be an individual transition plan added to the IEP by the time the child reaches age 16. Provided opportunities for the child to move beyond the school environment by preparing them for independent living, vocational training, and additional educational experiences. Added Autism and brain injury as distinct disability categories. https://tinyurl.com/y6u5x73d -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Designed to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in the public and private sectors. The Americans with Disabilities Act expanded definitions of eligibility that included people with AIDS, individuals with substance abuse issues, and any impairment that limits a major life activity. The act also mandated that employers, mass transit systems, and companies who provide products or services must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. -
No Child Left Behind Act
Reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Provided:
- Annual testing for all students in certain grades to demonstrate progress in mathematics, reading, and science.
- Public access to schools' performance on tests
-Parental choice in schools that do not meet annual progress goals
- Additional services to schools not making sufficient annual progress
- Highly qualified status for teachers
- Common Core State Standards Initiative -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
Increased accountability of the US for results, initiated enhanced parents involvement in IEPs, utilized new, proven practices and materials, provides more flexibility, and reduces paperwork burdens for teachers, states, and local school districts. -
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments
Broadened the interpretation of what comprises a limited major life activity to include reading, concentrating and thinking as well as body functions like immune and or neurological functioning) Substantial limitation interpreted without considering the effects of mitigating measures like medication or medical equipment. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Returned education authority to the state and local education leaders, which led to the creation of state-designated accountability systems and the elimination of the Adequate Yearly Progress system. Not required, but states are able to adopt Common Core State Standards. Also removed the "highly qualified" status from teachers that was given by NCLB. Provided state intervention for low performing schools. https://tinyurl.com/yay3ufpc
