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American School for the Deaf
This first school for disabled children anywhere in the western hemisphere founded in Hartford, Connecticut. -
Compulsory Education
Passed in the state of Rhode Island; the first law mandating state governments to provide for public education at no expense to families. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The CEC is considered to be the first advocacy group for students with disabilities. One of the main goals of the CEC is to ensure a free and appropriate education (FAPE) is provided to ALL students. -
The Birth of Special Education Law
The District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania were found to be denying due process and equal protection rights to students with disabilities. There were many similar cases throughout the country. This led to Congress creating a federal program of subsidization known as the Education for All Handicapped Children (EACHA or EHA) four years later, -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EACHA or EHA),
Created by Congress as a result of the 1971 findings where The District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of PA denied due process rights to students with disabilities. The birth of Individualized Education Programs (IEP's), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and Procedural Safeguards. This act will be changed to what we now know as the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA). -
Smith vs. Robinson
A Supreme Court ruling which upheld that parents could not recover attorney's fees when fighting for their due process rights. -
Handicapped Children's Protection Act (HCPA)
This act was passed as a result of the 1984 Supreme Court decision in the Smith vs. Robinson case and it allowed for compensation of attorney' fees in some cases. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This act prohibits public and private schools from discriminating on the basis of a disability. It also extends to the workplace and transportation providers. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Replaced ADA.
What is covered under IDEA?
Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Evaluations
Parent and Student Participation
Procedural Safeguards -
IDEA Reauthorized
One of the main amendments states that a "highly qualified" Special Education teacher be required in the classroom.
Other amendments were made in four parts:
A. General Provisions
B. Assistance for Education of all Children with Disabilities
C. Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
D. National Activities to Improve Education of Children with Disabilities