-
Watson v. City of Cambridge
Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that a student who as "'weak in mind', to the point of not being able to learn and caused trouble could be expelled from public school. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was founded.
Founded in Reston, Virginia, the CEC was founded by a group of educators at Columbia University. They continue to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities today. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The case made segregation illegal in public settings, including schools. The law paved the way for students with disabilities to gain access to public education as well. -
Mills v. Board of Education
In this case, the court ordered the Washington, DC District Board of Education to "provide due process safeguards" to parents of school children who disagreed with school board rulings. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
This act prohibited "discrimination against a person with a disability by any agency receiving federal funds." It was later amended as an extension of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include people with any disabilities that limit one or more of a person's major life activities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The EAHCA mandated a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for all students with disabilities. It gave them the right to a special education with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the least restrictive environment LRE, with federal funding provided, which could be denied if states/districts didn't subscribe and adhere to mandates. -
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
The EAHCA was amended and changed to the IDEA. Verbage was changed from handicapped to disability, and amended to a "people first" basis. Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) were added to the qualified categories. It also provided for transition services toward independent living for children 16+. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in the private sector, employment, housing, public transportation and facility accommodations. Its mandates are an extension of Section 504, which only deals with discrimination within entities that receive federal funding, most of which are schools. -
IDEA amendments
The 1997 Amendments to the IDEA restructured the law from 8 parts to 4, extended state funds to eligible charter schools, and strengthened parents' role. It changed the goal of public education from appropriate to quality, and meaningful public education. It adjusted IEP requirements to include short-term measurable goals aimed toward annual goals. Mandated that students w/ disabilities be included in statewide assessments. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
The IDEIA increased accountability for student performance, and mandated that all special education teachers be certified in special education, and encouraged Response to Intervention (RtI). Short-term objectives were removed from IEP for all except severe disability cases. Emphasized Early Intervening Services (EIS) for K-12, with most emphasis on K-3. -
ADA Amendments Act
The ADA Amendments of 2008 broadened the scope of those served under ADA to include disabilities that impede learning, and those that are managed under medical care.