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Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This piece of legislation was the first to protect and provide for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to give them equal access to public education. This would mean that students with disabilities would no longer be denied their right to attend public schools. Another part of the of the act was that it encouraged states to create and improve programs for students with disabilities. (Vaugh pg. 4) -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act
This piece of legislation is important because it prevents organizations that use federal funds from discriminating against people with disabilities based solely on the disability. This law gave people with disabilities access to equal opportunities and services that might have otherwise been denied in public education, employment, social and health services. (Vaughn pg.9) -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This act required all states to provide free and appropriate public education for students with disabilities from the ages of 5 to 18. It also brought the individualized education programs into existance. The IEP gives students with disabilities a team that developes and implements a plan for them which gives them support that they never had before. (Vaughn pg. 6). -
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments
This act extended free and appropriate education to children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 5 and established early intervention programs for infants and toddlers. This allowed children with disabilities to be identified early on and given the help they needed which was important to start there educational careers so they wouldn't get left behind. (Vaughn pg. 6). -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This piece of legislation prohibited the discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector. It's important because it opened up opportunities and protection to employment, public services, accomodations, transportation, and telecommunication. (Vaughn pg. 6). -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
A lot is covered under this act but there are a couple of important main points that stand out. It requires schools to be more responsible about ensuring that the students with the disabilities have access to the general education curriculum which would put them on the same footing as their general ed peers and increase social interaction. It also required a general education teacher to be a member of the IEP team which would make for better communication and implentation of any behavior plan. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
This act raised the standards for special education licensure which meant that only the best possible educators would be working with students with special needs. It also allows districts to use the response-to-intervention model to determine whether a child has a specific learning disability which allows that student to get the appropriate help for their needs. (Vaughn pg. 7).
