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Supreme Court case ruled school segregation by race was not constitutional. It was the first instance where the federal government advocated equal rights for students.
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President John F. Kennedy established the Division of Handicapped Children and Youth, pushing greater rights for students with intellectual disabilities.
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With the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the federal government protects and provides for disadvantaged students so they may have equal access to public education.
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Christmas in Purgatory: A Photographic Essay on Mental Retardation published by Burton Blatt and Fred Kaplan exposed unacceptable living conditions in residential facilities and built awareness of inequalities facing individuals with disabilities.
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Unconstitutional to deny free public education from a student with an intellectual disability.
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Required states to provide alternative services to students with handicaps.
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P.L. 93-112, Section 504. Prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities and defines handicapped persons and appropriate education.
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P.L. 93-380. Federal funds for state programs that program students who are gifted and talented. Also grants students and families the right to due process in special education placement.
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All children, regardless of their disability, receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Also requires individualized education programs (IEPs).
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Free and appropriate education (FAPE) must be provided in all public schools. Provides necessary services to all students and limiting segregation among public school students.
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States provide free and appropriate education to young children (ages 3-5) and establishes early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
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Schools may not expel children for behaviors related to their disability.
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Equal opportunity in employment, public services, accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
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"People-first" language. Includes autism and traumatic brain injury as new disability categories. Requires transition services from school to employment and transportation services for students with disabilities.
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Implementation of response-to-intervention (RTI) model to determine if a student has a disability. Increases federal funds for early childhood intervention.
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Supreme Court case where parents may pursue IDEA on behalf of their child.
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Signed by President Obama replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to ensure equal opportunity for all students and provides additional for supports for at-risk students.
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As technology advances and research develops, I predict amendments will be made to provide better accommodations for individuals with disabilities as well as more efficient methods to identify and support individuals with disabilities. I also hope to see those individuals as invested members in our society and being accepted without prejudice.
