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Council for Exceptional Children
https://exceptionalchildren.org/about-us
Founded in 1922, The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was created to help improve educational achievements for students with disabilities or gifted. The organization advocates for appropriate government policies, sets professional standards, helps professionals attain the circumstances and tools necessary for appropriate professional development, and more. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education ruled that a separate education for African American children was not equal and provided a base for IDEA which required access to a free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities. Before IDEA, one million children with disabilities living in the United States were not receiving an education from the public school system. However, with laws such as these, we have made progress in providing equal education opportunities for these individuals. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which provided funding for primary education, and increased access to a quality public education for students with disabilities. Approved funds were allocated towards professional development, instructional materials, tools to aid educational programs, and to increase parental involvement in schools. -
Special Olympics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK9FV4rddps
Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver's, the Special Olympics movement allowed individuals with intellectual disabilities were able to compete in over 200 sporting events such as softball throw, 25-yard swim, high jump, and more. Special Olympics supporters and supporting organizations began to grow across North America with the City of Chicago hosting its 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics in 2019. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of PA
In 1971, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was sued by the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC), due to a law that allowed public schools to refuse a free education to children who had reached the biological age of 8 but had not reached the mental age of 5. After being settled, the case opened more doors toward providing equality for students with disabilities. provide equality to students with disabilities. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 approved funds to states for vocational rehabilitation services, supported employment, independent living, and client assistance. Furthermore, the Rehabilitation Act also included a set of procedures that prioritized the rights, advocacy, and protection of individuals with disabilities. . Section 504 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by any program receiving federal financial assistance including public schools. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Signed by President Gerald Ford, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, required all public schools that accept federal funds to deliver equal access to education for students with disabilities. This also meant that public schools were required to assess students with disabilities to develop individualized educational plans with parent feedback with the goal of providing an education that resembled that of a general education curriculum. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
https://www.ada.gov/2010_regs.htm
Known as an “equal opportunity law”, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. This is one of the most important civil rights laws that ban discrimination and ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities as everyone else to participate in mainstream life such as employment opportunities, shopping, participating in state and local government programs, and more. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Under the IDEA, states who accept public funds for education must provide special education to qualifying children with disabilities. The IDEA requires guidelines regarding Free Appropriate Public Education. Education must be individualized to meet the needs of the student and must benefit them. IDEA also requires that education occur in the least restrictive environment and requires schools to take a child’s disability into account when enforcing discipline. -
No Child Left Behind
Enacted in 2002, the major focus of the No Child Left Behind was to close student achievement gaps by giving all children the opportunity to a fair, equal, and meaningful chance to receive a quality education. This law aimed to ensure disadvantaged students achieved academic proficiency, provided flexibility to school districts in their fund use, and promoted effective research-based education. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, Every Student Succeeds Act, includes requirements to ensure success for students and schools. Some requirements included promoting equity by providing critical protections for disadvantaged and high-need students, all students need to be taught to high academic standards to prepare them for success in college and careers, and more.