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Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen
This law is recognized as the first federal legislation dedicated to the care of individuals with disabilities, specifically authorizing medical services for sick and disabled seamen. It mandated a monthly deduction from seamen's wages to fund the service and support the construction of hospitals.
[(https://www.statutesandstories.com/blog_html/act-for-the-relief-of-sick-and-disabled-seamen/)] -
Brown v. Board of Education
This was a historic case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. It combined several lawsuits challenging the "separate but equal" doctrine, which justified racial separation in facilities. The Court ruled that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal," leading to the end of legal segregation in schools. This was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement, promoting that all students deserve equal access to quality education regardless of race. -
Special Olympics International Games
The first Special Olympics International Summer Games took place in Chicago with around 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Some of the games included sports like swimming, track, and floor hockey. Organized jointly by the Kennedy Foundation and the Chicago Park District, the event was successful and marked the beginning of the Special Olympics organization, leading to continued annual events and increased awareness and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities. -
Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a significant U.S. law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federal programs, employment, and activities that receive federal funding. It was a crucial step forward for disability rights and laid the groundwork for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
[(https://www.access-board.gov/about/law/ra.html)] -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
The EHA transformed special education in the U.S. by ensuring children with disabilities could access educational opportunities previously denied to them. It moved the focus toward inclusive settings, promoting the idea that all students can learn and succeed with proper support. The core principles introduced, like FAPE, IEPs, and LRE, continue to be essential parts of special education under IDEA today. -
Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), now IDEA. It ruled that FAPE is met when a state provides individualized instruction and adequate support services that allow a student to benefit educationally, even if the student does not reach their full potential. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It guarantees equal opportunities in employment, government services, public accommodations, and transportation, promoting full inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in all areas of life. -
Amendments to EHA/IDEA
The 1990 Amendments renamed the legislation as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and added traumatic brain injury (TBI) and autism to the category of disabilities. Other changes in 1990 required that an individual transition plan be created for each student no later than age 16. The 1990 amendments also expanded the scope of the related services provision by adding two services: social work and rehabilitation counseling. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, enacted in 2002, was a U.S. federal law aimed at improving public schools through increased accountability. It mandated standardized testing, set higher teacher qualification standards, and implemented sanctions for schools that did not meet performance goals. Its goal was to close achievement gaps and ensure all students, regardless of background, attained proficiency in reading and math by 2014.
[(https://youtu.be/0--2nhsDorg?si=HmLuptIb0VgY9lyf)] -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the primary federal law governing K-12 public education in the United States, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. It focuses on providing equal opportunities for all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and grants states and local districts more flexibility in how they implement educational programs and meet educational standards.