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The Sick and Disable Seamen Act
In 1798, the U.S. passed its first law to help people with disabilities called the "Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen." It created a system of hospitals to care for sick or injured sailors. To pay for it, a small amount of money was taken from each sailor’s paycheck every month. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This landmark Supreme Court case ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. While the case focused on race, it also became a foundation for the rights of students with disabilities. It established the idea that all children deserve equal access to education, which would later be applied to special education. -
ESEA
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was created to provide federal funding to help low-income students and improve education across the country. Its focus was not specifically on special education, but it marked the first time the federal government became involved in making sure schools served all students, including those with disabilities. This act helped pave the way for later laws protecting students with special needs. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 was one of the first federal civil rights laws protecting people with disabilities. It stated that no person with a disability could be excluded from any program receiving federal funding, including schools. This law required schools to provide accommodations so that students with disabilities could participate fully in the classroom. Today, 504 plans mainly provide health-related accommodations. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of PA
This court case involved students with intellectual disabilities who were being denied access to public education. The court ruled that children with disabilities could not be excluded from public schools and must be provided with an education that meets their needs. This case was a major step toward the creation of federal special education laws. -
Public Law 94-142
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, also known as Public Law 94-142, required public schools to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to all students with disabilities. It also required schools to create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student receiving special education services. This act became the foundation for special education in the United States and was the first law to guarantee rights to students with disabilities. -
IDEA (1990)
IDEA was the updated version of the 1975 law and added stronger protections for students with disabilities. It made sure that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It also changed the language used in the law, replacing “handicapped” with “individuals with disabilities,” and added services like transition planning for life after high school. IDEA continues to be the main law guiding special education today. -
IDEA (1997)
In 1997, IDEA was amended to strengthen the role of parents in the IEP process and increase accountability for student outcomes. The changes encouraged including students with disabilities in general education classrooms whenever possible and enforcing the concept of the least restrictive environment promoting inclusion. They also emphasized the importance of positive behavior support and functional behavioral assessments.LRE FAPE -
NCLB
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) signed into law by president George W. Bush required schools to focus on student achievement and hold all students, including those with disabilities, to high academic standards. It led to increased testing and accountability for special education programs. While controversial, NCLB highlighted the importance of ensuring students with disabilities were not left behind in school progress. -
IDEA (2004)
The reauthorization of IDEA in 2004 aligned the law more closely with the goals of NCLB. It placed a greater emphasis on results, rather than just compliance, and promoted early intervention and response to intervention (RTI) strategies. For more information, click on this link IDEA 2004 -
ESSA
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) signed by President Obama, replaced NCLB and gave more control to states while still requiring accountability for all student groups, including students with disabilities. It promoted inclusion, access to general education curriculum, and evidence-based interventions. ESSA continued to emphasize the importance of closing achievement gaps for special education students.