Special Education Law Breakthroughs - (1954-present)

  • Association for Children with Learning Disabilities is organized.

  • Wolf Wolfensberger introduces the concept of normalization, initially coined by Bengt Nirje of Sweden, to the United States.

  • PL 93-112, the Rehabilitation Act, is enacted; Section 504 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) is passed; landmark legislation ensures, among other provisions, a free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities.

  • Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments (PL 99-457) are enacted; mandate a special education for preschoolers with disabilities and incentives for providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (PL 101-336) becomes law; prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

  • PL 101-476, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (commonly known as IDEA), is passed; among other provisions, emphasizes transition planning for adolescents with disabilities.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL 105-17) is reauthorized, providing a major retooling and expansion of services for students with disabilities and their families.

  • No Child Left Behind Act (PL 107-110) is enacted; a major educational reform effort focusing on academic achievement of students and qualifications of teachers.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (PL 108-446) is passed; aligns IDEA legislation with provisions of No Child Left Behind.