Important legislation of Special Education services.

Public Law 88-164

Oct 31, 1963

Authorized funds for research and demonstration for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Also released funds to train professionals to work with special needs students. This law was taken into action byPresident J.F. Kennedy, whose sister had intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Legislation: History and Evolution of Special Education Services

Period: Oct 31, 1963 to Dec 31, 2009

Section 504 of the Rehibilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112)

Sep 26, 1973

This legislation provide equal access to programs and services for individuals with disabilities.These individuals can't be denied participation in any programs or activities because of their disabilities. It can protects students with failing grades, pattern of suspensions, behavioral probelms, etc. This law can also act as a bridge between general and special education.

Public Law 94-142; Education for All Handicapped Children Act.

Nov 29, 1975

This law took effect in 1977. It was designed to make sure that all handicapped children have an appropriate free public education which emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. The Six Key Provisions of the Education fo All Handicaped Children are:
Zero Reject, Nondiscriminatory Evaluation, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Least Restrictive Environment, Due Process and Parental Participation.

Public Law 99-457 (1986 Amendments)

Oct 8, 1986

Education for All Handicapped Children Acts was changed to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It became evident that early intervention was important, with alot of pressure, the new law included younger children. The new law provided the opportunity to develop plans and programs for children and their families from birth on by allocating federal funds for states.

Public Law 100-297; The Javits Act

Apr 28, 1988

Provided a small amount of money to support research and programs that focus on the special needs of gifted students from unfortunate families.

Public Law 101-336; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990/1992

Jul 26, 1990

This law was passed on July 26, 1990 and took effect on January 26, 1992; it extends civil rights to persons with disabilities. ADA includes five titles.

Public Law 107-110; No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001

Jan 8, 2002

This Act was the major education legislation in the George W. Bush administration. Schools are held accountable for their students performance and their funds can be taken away if they do not meet these standards.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act- IDEA 2004

Dec 3, 2004

This Act was designed to strengthen and improve earlier versions. Three major changes that were addressed were: Quality of personnel, IEP (Individualized Education Program) standards (section 1400) and Transition services.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009)

Feb 17, 2009

This act was created to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need during our country's tough economic crisis. During this time each state was granted funds under IDEA on a one time basis to improve the quality of early intervention services.