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The Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” schools were unconstitutional. This case laid the way for equal access in education, including for students with disabilities. -
The court ruled that children with intellectual disabilities could not be denied a free public education. This case opened doors for thousands of students with disabilities. -
The court decided schools must provide free public education to all children with disabilities, regardless of the cost. This strengthened the right to education for students with special needs. -
Section 504 became the first federal civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities. It prohibited discrimination in schools and programs that receive federal funding. -
This law guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and required individualized education programs (IEPs). It was the beginning of federal special education services in schools. -
Amendments expanded services to preschool-aged children and created early intervention programs for infants and toddlers. This emphasized the importance of starting support early. -
The ADA prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. It improved accessibility for millions of Americans. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was renamed IDEA. It added autism and traumatic brain injury as disability categories and emphasized transition services. -
These amendments strengthened parent involvement, emphasized inclusion in the general curriculum, and added rules for discipline of students with disabilities. -
This law required schools to test all students, including those with disabilities, in statewide assessments. It held schools accountable for the progress of every student. -
This reauthorization aligned IDEA with NCLB, strengthened early intervention, and promoted research-based teaching methods. It also emphasized accountability for student achievement. -
ESSA replaced NCLB and gave states more flexibility, but still required accountability for students with disabilities. It continues to shape special education policy today.