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First Special Education University Opens in 1869
President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill creating Gallaudet College, a learning institution for the deaf. It opened its first public day in 1869. This bill forced the federal government to become more involved in special education. More information about event -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1965
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) of 1965. The law aimed for the federal government to provide a "quality and equality" education for young people. Its main purpose is to bring "additional resources for vulnerable students." -
Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was sued by PARC over a law that gave schools the authority to deny a free education to children with intellectual disabilities. They argued that all children could benefit from an education. As a result of the case, special education is guaranteed for children with intellectual disabilities. -
Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
The Mills case expanded upon the PARC case, and brought the right to special education to children of all disabilities. The Court ruled that no child can be denied an education due to "mental, behavioral, physical, or emotional handicaps or deficiencies." Furthermore, The Court noted that "insufficient funds" is not an excuse to not provide such an education. -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a law that approves grants to states for various rehabilitation services. It includes a set of rules that revolved around the rights and advocacy for people with disabilities. It defined "handicapped person" and "appropriate education." It also prohibits discrimination in "federally funded programs." -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
In 1975, Congress enacted the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, in order to support states and localities to meet the individual needs for youth with disabilities and their families. With parent input, schools are also to evaluate and create educational plans for students with disabilities. In addition, it also defines "least restrictive environment." -
Honig v. Doe
The Education of the Handicapped Act contains the "stay-put" provision, in which handicapped children shall remain in his or her educational placement. The "Hoing v. Doe" case came upon two disabled students being suspended due to behavior caused by their disability. As a result, they cannot return to school. The case concluded with the court ruling that schools cannot expel students for behaviors related to their disability. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 replaced the EAHCA. It has four components and ensures students with disabilities are provided a Free Appropriate Education (FAPE) according to their individual needs. It further establishes that students with disabilities must be educated in the least restricted environment. -
Cedar Rapids v. Garret F.
The case came as a result of a student, Garret F., being denied by his school to provide services for his disability. The school district claimed that they were "not legally obligated to provide one-on-one care." As a result of the case, students must receive supplemental services needed to attend school. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
President George Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law, redefining the government role in early and secondary education. Its aim was to "close the achievement gap between disadvantaged, disabled and minority students and their peers." The act also implements early reading interventions. Youtube Video -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
President Bush signed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) on 2004. The act implemented autism and traumatic brain injury as two new disability categories. It also promotes involvement of students with disabilities in the general education curriculum.
