Key legislation, social and historical contexts leading to inclusive early childhood education

By zswhippl
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    The ARC

    1950: The ARC Champions Abilities of Mentally Retarded
    Parents of youth diagnosed with mental retardation found the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC). The association works to change the public's ideas about mental retardation.
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    Ed Roberts

    1962: Ed Roberts Fights for Admission to University
    Ed Roberts, a young man with polio, enrolls at the University of California, Berkeley. After his admission is rejected, he fights to get the decision overturned. He becomes the father of the Independent Living Movement and helps establish the first Center for Independent Living (CIL).
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    Civil Rights Bill Bypasses Persons with Disabilities

    1964: Civil Rights Bill Bypasses Persons with Disabilities
    The Civil Rights Act is passed. While this act helps end discrimination against African Americans and women in the workplace, it does not make any provision for people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities still lack opportunities to participate in and be contributing members of society, are denied access to employment, and are discriminated against based on disability.
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    Educator and Disability Activist

    970: Educator and Disability Activist
    Judy Heumann sues the New York City Board of Education when her application for a teaching license is denied. The stated reason is the same originally used to bar her from kindergarten—that her wheelchair is a fire hazard. The suit, settled out of court, launches Heumann's activism. She later founds the Independent Living movement with Ed Roberts and oversees education and VR programs in the United States during the 1990s.
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    Rehabilitation Act

    1973: Public Entities Can't Discriminate
    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 makes it illegal for federal agencies, public universities, and other public institutions receiving any federal funds to discriminate on the basis of disability.
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    Education for Handicapped Children Act

    1975: Law Guarantees Free, Appropriate, Public Education for All Disabled Children
    The Education for Handicapped Children Act of 1975—now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)&mdashis signed into law. It guarantees a free, appropriate, public education for all children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.
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    Americans with Disabilities Act

    1990: Americans with Disabilities Act Becomes Law
    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is signed into law by President George H. W. Bush (R) alongside its "founding father," Justin Dart. The ADA is considered the most important civil rights law since Title 504 and has cross-disability support, bringing disability-specific organizations, advocates, and supporters all together for the same cause.