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Timeline of the Development of Special Education services in the United States

  • Congress enacts the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, Public Law 94-142.

    Congress enacts the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, Public Law 94-142.
    This act provided a free, appropriate public education for all children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. It indicated specific federal mandates to improve how children with disabilities were identified and educated, to evaluate the success of these efforts, and to provide due process protections for children and families.
    “Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of IDEA.” Youtube, IDEA, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj4b9d4XAdY.
  • Amendments to the Education of All Handicapped Children Act authorized programs for early intervention with infants and toddlers with disabilities.

    Amendments to the Education of All Handicapped Children Act authorized programs for early intervention with infants and toddlers with disabilities.
    This legislation obligates participating states to provide early intervention services to children with developmental disabilities from birth up to their third birthday.
    “Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of IDEA.” Youtube, IDEA, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj4b9d4XAdY.
  • The definition of access was broadened to encompass not just physical access to schools, but also included access to the general education curriculum.

    The definition of access was broadened to encompass not just physical access to schools, but also included access to the general education curriculum.
    This led to higher academic expectations and greater learning outcomes for students with disabilities.
    “Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of IDEA.” Youtube, IDEA, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj4b9d4XAdY.