Sped

Legislation that Shaped Special Education

  • Brown v. Board of Education

    Brown v. Board of Education
    Supreme court ruled segregation of public schools unconstitutional in violation of the fourteenth amendment. "Separate but equal" was in fact not equal; schools became desegregated. Landmark legislation that began civil rights acts, especially in the field of special needs education. Retrieved from: https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=87
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Elementary and Secondary Education Act
    • Provided equal access to education for all.
    • Federal funding for education in primary and secondary schools for students disadvantaged by poverty.
    Allowed all students access to public school systems, regardless of economic disadvantages. Retrieved from: https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/no-child-left-behind-overview-definition-summary.html
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    First disability civil rights act in the U.S.
    • Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities who receive financial aid and assistance.
    • Discrimination prohibited in programs and activities both public and private.
    Cannot find day and month of legislation. Retrieved from: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act
    All public schools must provide equal access to education services for children with physical and mental disabilities. Retrieved from: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/leg/idea/history.html
  • Public Law 101-476

    Public Law 101-476
    Amended Public Law 94-142.
    • Traumatic brain injury and autism to be included within categories of disability.
    • ITP (Individualized Transition Plan) must be created to help the exceptional students transition to post-secondary life.
    Retrieved from: https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/public-policy/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act
  • Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

    Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
    Civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in the area of employment, public services, and accommodations solely the basis of disability. Retrieved from: https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/history/35th/1990s/ada.html
  • IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

    IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
    Education for All Handicapped Children's Act amended to become IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
    • All children and youth have the right to free, appropriate, and public education.
    • Expansion of the definition of "developmental delay" from ages birth to five years to also include ages six through nine.
    Retrieved from: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    No Child Left Behind Act
    Public Law No: 107-334
    • Amended Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise and authorize various programs.
    • Increased federal funding for public schools, established standardized testing and reform.
    Retrieved from: https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/no-child-left-behind-overview-definition-summary.html
  • Amendment of IDEA

    Amendment of IDEA
    Amendment of IDEA.
    • Provides federal financial aid to state and local education to guarantee special education services to children with disabilities.
    • Emphasis on early intervention, greater accountability, and raised standards for special educators.
    • Children aged 3-21 determined eligible in one of thirteen disability categories.
    Retrieved from: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/
  • Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act

    Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
    Amended ADA -
    • Made changes to the definition of "disability" under the ADA.
    • Provided more broad protection and coverage from discrimination for individuals with disabilities.
    • Enacted 09/25/2008; made effective 01/01/2009.
    Retrieved from: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/regulations/adaaa_fact_sheet.cfm