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Brown vs. The Board of Education
Brown vs. The Board of Education is so significant because the outcome deemed it unconstitutional to seperate children in school based on color. This is important in special education because it eventually extended to those with disabilities as well. "The Brown decision led the way to a growing understanding that all people, regardless if race, gender, or disability, have a right to a public education"
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The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this act gives extra resources to schools who have high percentages of students with lower income families. The purpose of this act is to also provide scholarships, grants, special education centers as well as for libraries for lower income school districts.
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Rehabilitation Act Ammendments Section 504
This is a Federal law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. In other words, this act states that those with disabilities are entitled to the same quality of life as those without disabilities. This was the first step towards the humanization of persons with disabilities.
(https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf) -
Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
This law states that schools are required to evaluate students with disabilities and come up with an IEP for the student working with their parents. This law also gives schools federal funds to help provide an equal education for those with disabilities. Those funds can go towards assistive technology or resources needed to level the playing field for those with disabilities
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Americans with Disabilities Act
This is a civil law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA protections are similar to those of color, race, sex, age or religion. Individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as those without. -
The Assistive Technology Act
Originally instated in 1998, then again in 2004, this act provides students with disabilities technology to help them equally participate in class. I find this important because assistive technology could be anything from something as simple as a pencil grip to something as complex as a dynavox.
(https://www.brandman.edu/news-and-events/blog/special-education-laws) -
No Child Left Behind Act
This act affected every public school in the United States. The goal of this act was to provide an equal opportunity for students who are at disadvantages. Whether its poverty, minorities, students with disabilities, and those who are ESL students. This law held schools accountable for their students by needing schools to show adequate yearly progress.
(https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/your-childs-rights/basics-about-childs-rights/no-child-left-behind-nclb-what-you-need-to-know) -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA is a law that ensures free, appropriate education for all students with disabilities. Families with children under 2 years old with a disability qualify for early intervention services . Children 3-21 receive special education. This law was formally known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.
(https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea)
