-
Nuremberg Trials Start
The US had been experimenting with eugenics, sterilizing individuals they seemed were unfit to reproduce. The Nuremberg Trials linked the idea of eugenics to the Nazi's, making it taboo to continue to do. However, some states continued this, specifically in institutions for mentally disabled individuals. Bruinius, H. (2007). Better for All the World: The Secret History of Forced Sterilization and America's Quest for Racial Purity (pp. 307-321). New York, NY: Vintage Books. -
Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka
This decision ended segregation in schools and helped paved the way for civil rights laws throughout the country. Most people think of only racial civil rights, however, with this case the path to equality was opened for every individual undergoing discrimination, especially when it came to education. Wood, J. W. (2006). Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings (5th ed., p. 6). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The 1967 amendment for ESEA established the Bureau of the Handicapped within the U.D. Department of Education. With this bureau in place, funds were put into place for research, education, and training specific for special education. However, this was not a mandate for states to offer special education. Wood, J. W. (2006). Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings (5th ed., p. 6). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
Geraldo Rivera's TV Broadcast of Willowbrook State School
Rivera's broadcast of the actual happenings within the Willowbrook State School roused America's beliefs as to how citizens with disabilities should be treated. This footage was disturbing and kicked into motion a fight for proper treatment and protection for people with all disabilities. Wood, J. W. (2006). Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings (5th ed., p. 7). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This allowed for students with substantial impairments to recieve education that was comparable to that of their peers. Section 504 also dealt with the work environment for substantial impaired individuals, mandating reasonable accomodation in order to access employment opportunities. Lane, K. E., Gooden, M. A., Mead, J. F., Pauken, P., & Eckes, S. (Eds.). (2008). The Principal's Legal Handbook (4th ed., pp. 207-208). Dayton, OH: Education Law Association. -
The Education of All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA, PL 94-142)
This mandated that children with diabilities have access to public school as well as holding schools accountable by funding for student participation and setting standards. The funding assisted schools in helping teach these individuals and lead to having proper education for these individuals. Wood, J. W. (2006). Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings (5th ed., p. 8-9). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
This extended protections to other areas of society and not just in regards to education. This was a great landmark in that more places had to be made accessible for all abilities (i.e. wheelchair ramps, braille or audio signs, accessible bathrooms, etc) and the understanding of how to accomodate all parts of a community. Wood, J. W. (2006). Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings (5th ed., p. 19). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This provides funds to help states meet the needs of disabled students whose disabilities affect their educational performance so much that special education is needed. The funding from this is very beneficial to schools because it allows students to get the extra attention they need to get the education they deserve. Lane, K. E., Gooden, M. A., Mead, J. F., Pauken, P., & Eckes, S. (Eds.). (2008). The Principal's Legal Handbook (4th ed., pp. 210-211). Dayton, OH: Education Law Association.
