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The United States Office of Education established a section on the exceptional children – This formally recognized the fact that special needs learners have a right to access education in the same way as other learners. A government department could also dedicate resources to understanding and addressing the needs of students with disabilities. -
The NARC, after its founding, started early conversations on formal laws that protect special needs learners. The organization highlighted the challenges that special needs learners face and the need for special protections. The contribution of the organization was crucial in creating the legislation that followed. -
The court’s decision stated that all children have the right to education on equal terms. All forms of discrimination in learning setting based on personal characteristics was outlawed. This provided a more solid basis for advocating for the rights of students with disabilities. -
The act improved access to education for special needs students as well as students from low-income households. Funds were allocated for the first time to improve access to education for special needs students. This also created the foundation for the more comprehensive funding that is in place today.
https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/programs/education/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-of-1965/#:~:text=ESEA%20is%20an%20extensive%20statute,the%20promotion%20of%20parental%20involvement. -
The ruling advocated for free education for special needs students through the public education system. The case overturned restrictions to accessing public education by special needs students who were deemed to be ineligible. -
The act assured special needs learners of non-discrimination in education and other aspects of life in society. Additional protections were put in place that covered areas such as employment and federal programs. Product standards were also supposed to consider the needs of people with disabilities. -
The act acknowledged that special needs learners have a right to free and appropriate education. The law also created room for parental involvement in the design of programs. The act also created the foundation for including students with special needs in less restrictive learning environments. Early evaluation standards were also put in place by the act. -
The act revised previous statutes to include more protections relating to areas such as transportation and telecommunications. The act mandated more specialized programs that best address the needs of specific students. Students could also be included in less restrictive learning environments. More tailored performance evaluation methods were also to be used that best addressed the needs of specific students. https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/idea -
The act focuses more attention on students from underserved groups. States can define subgroups as they see fit. The act is believed to have been instrumental in addressing racial gaps in access to education by special needs learners. -
The act advocated for accountability standards, performance evaluation by states and gave parents the chance to choose schools that best meet their needs. The act introduced more tailored public tests for special needs learners. Academic standards for special needs learning environments were also improved through the act. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nVyJLLD_-Q