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Willowbrook State School
Willowbrook State School was the biggest state-run institution for students with mental disabilities in the Willowbrook neighborhood of Staten Island, NY. This system lasted from 1947 to 1987. It closed down due to conditions and questionable medical practices and experiments held on the students. Senator Robert Kennedy even called it a “snake pit” because after visiting the facility he noticed that it was overcrowded and the students were living in filth and being abused (P.L. 91-230). -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
This law provided a comprehensive plan for addressing the inequality of educational opportunity for underprivileged students. This program also became the draft for the early special education legislation. (P.L. 91-516) -
Library Services and Construction Act Amendments of 1966
This amendment authorized assistance for students with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to read use conventional printed materials as a result of physical limitations. (P.L. 91-530) -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act Amendments of 1967
This was the final federal special education legislation of the 1960s. The legislation aimed to establish a set of programs that support the improvement of special education services. This legislation also offered federal aid to local school districts to help address the needs of students who have difficulty speaking English. (P.L. 91-572) -
Pennsylvania Association for retarded children Vs. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This state case established the right of children with mental disabilities to a public education in the state of Pennsylvania. This case also triggered the legal groundwork for granting equal rights in education to all children with disabilities. The result of this case established that students who are 21 and younger are offered a free public education that caters to their individual learning capabilities. (P.L. 91-579) -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - 504 plan
Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability
Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met (P.L. 91-578) . -
The Community Services Act
This act required that 10% of students enrolled in head start program provides must be students with disabilities. The head start program provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. IEP (individual education plan) was also introduced around the world in 1975 (P.L. 91-584). -
Final Release of Details for the Education for all handicapped children act
Final details and regulations were released to provide a set of rules that school districts must follow when providing an education for students with disabilities (P.L. 91-602). -
No child left behind act of 2001
This bill was signed into law in 2002 and requires states to develop assessments in basic skills to be given to all students, including students with disabilities, to be proficient in math and reading. Students must be assessed for academic progress and make adequate yearly progress. (P.L. 91-610). -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004)
This act ensures that all children with disabilities have a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services that are designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. (P.L. 91-620). -
American with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008
This act is known as the most significant disability legislation ever passed by the national council on disability. The Amendments of 2008 revised the definition of disability to more broad meaning. Disability: impairments that substantially limit a major life activity. (P.L. 91-625). -
Assistive Technology Special Education Students
With the growing technology of the 21st century, special education students are not being left out. More and more technology is being used for students to communicate effectively in the classroom. (P.L. 91-635)
