-
1954- Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
While seen primarily as a racial desegregation ruling by the Supreme Court, the ruling also opened the door to children with disabilities being allowed to attend public school. The overturning of the "Separate but Equal" doctrine was applied to all forms of segregation in the public school setting. This ruling became the foundation for changes in education laws. -
1965- Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
This landmark legislation provided supplemental federal funds to schools serving higher concentrations of students from low-income families. Funding was to be used to improve educational programs, services, resources, and professional development aimed at supporting students in low-income areas. This funding became known as Title I funding. -
1973- Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provides for a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all students regardless of disability. Section 504 expanded the definition of disability and requires schools to provide related aids and services to meet a student's individual needs to remove learning barriers inside the classroom and during activities. -
1975- PL 94-142 Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The EAHCA of 1975 not only enshrined the requirement of a FAPE for students with disabilities but also created the requirement for Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for students. Additionally, EAHCA created the 13 areas of eligibility that are still used in special education today. -
1986- PL 99-457 Education of the Handicapped Act Amendment (EHAA)
EHAA of 1986 authorized the creation of early intervention programs for infants and children with disabilities. EHAA required schools to provide a FAPE to preschool students ages 3 to 5 years old who are identified with a disability. EHAA also authorized the creation of birth to 3 early intervention and support programs for at-risk infants and their families. -
1990- PL 101-336 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA of 1990 reinforces the prohibition of discrimination based on disability. The ADA, while applying to all persons with a disability, not just students, impacted students with disabilities by requiring modifications and accommodations by schools to provide access to school busses, restroom facilities, wheelchair ramps, and wheelchair-accessible doors. -
1990- PL 101-476 Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
IDEA of 1990 was a reauthorization and renaming of the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act. the changes added traumatic brain injury and autism as disability categories. IDEA also added the requirement for transition planning for students to aid in the transition to post-secondary life. -
1997- PL 105-17 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendment (IDEAA)
The 1997 amendment to IDEA provided discipline provisions for students with disabilities who misbehave. The amendment limits the time a student with disabilities may be placed in an alternative setting after bringing a weapon or drugs to school, and provides for a continuation of services during suspension or expulsion. The amendment also outlined the requirements for Behavior intervention plans (BIP) and Manifest Determination Reviews (MDR) during the discipline of students with disabilities. -
2001- No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
The NCLB Act was an amendment and renaming of the ESEA of 1965. NCLB established a requirement for yearly tests of student performance, the creation of state standards of education progress, and reporting of school performance and teacher quality. NCLB held schools accountable for student learning and achievement, including students with disabilities. NCLB was to improve the educational opportunities and outcomes for all students.regardless of disability. -
2004- Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
2004 amendments to IDEA provided guidance and direction of procedures to identify students with learning disabilities that are not a result of another documented disability. Additionally, the amendment added the requirement of "highly qualified" teachers for special education. The 2004 amendments also clarified when transition services were to be added and who was responsible for transition services. -
2008- PL 110- 325 Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment (ADAA)
Amendments to the ADA broadened the definition of disability. The amendment allowed for impairments to major bodily functions and life activities to be included as a disability requiring accommodation and modification by the school. Examples of impairments related to major bodily functions or life activities are; functions of the immune system, digestive system, respiratory system, neurological (i.e. concentration, thinking, etc.), physical movement/restrictions, etc. -
2015- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The ESSA is a new version of the NCLB Act. The ESSA allows alternative academic achievement standards for students with several cognitive disabilities. The ESSA focuses on equity and giving each student what they need to succeed instead of giving each student the same tools. ESSA endorsed Universal Design Learning to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The ESSA still holds districts accountable for student growth and performance but allows flexibility in assessments.