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Brown v. Board of Education
The Supreme Court ruled that segregation by race was not constitutional. This was the first time in federal government that they advocated for students who experienced inequality and prejudice at school. This helped set path for future legislation for students with disabilities. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/separate-but-not-equal-video -
Department of Public Welfare v. Haas
The supreme court in Illinois did not require a free public education for the children who are "mentally deficient." They believed this because they did not think children who were limited deserved the benefits of a good education. After some time, this was overturned and it was in favor of education for all students. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
ESEA was initated by the dederal government protecting and providing for students with disadvantaged backgrounds so they can have equal access to public education. They helped establish the free and reduced lunch system.
https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/programs/education/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-of-1965/ -
Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Children v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Children with disbalities did not have the right of public education in Pennsylvania. PARC felt that it was unfair and brought a lawsuit against the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This was the first lawsuit in the country regarding the right to education for everyone. https://www.pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-association-for-retarded-citizens-parc-v-commonwealth-of-pennsylvania/ -
Educational Amendments Act
EAA grants federal funds to states for the programming for exceptional learners. This provided the first federal funding of state programs for students who are gifted. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. It protects equal opportunity for employment and public services. It also accomodated transportation and communication. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This extended special education services to incluse social work, assistive technology, and rehab services. It added two new categories of disabilities: autism and traumatic brain injury. It requires states to educate students with disabilities for a transition to employment and to provide those services.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66g6TbJbs2g -
Cedar Rapids v. Garret F.
Garret was paralyzed from the neck down at the age of 4 in a terrible accident. Although he was disabled, he did not lose his mental capacity. He was able to attend regular classes and was provided services at no extra cost. -
The Victory School
This school was founded in 2000 by the parents of a child with autism. They found themselves struggling with finding the best education they can give their child. After no success, they were inspired to oepn a non-profit educational organization for students with disabilities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
ESSA was signed by former President Obama in 2015; this replaced the No Child Left Behind Act that was enacted in 2002. ESSA included many of the components of NCLB but it provides additional opportunities for schools when the students are not making progress.
