SPED Law Timeline

  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    Public Law 93-112, the Rehabilitation Act is enacted. Section 504 prohibits organization and employers from discriminating and excluding individuals with disabilities equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
    Public Law 94-142, Education for All Handicapped Children act is passed. This alas guaranteed a free and appropriate public education to children with disabilities. This law assures protection and the rights of children with disabilities and their parents.
  • Individualized Education Program

    Individualized Education Program
    Individualized Education Program (IEP) was first introduced into school systems when the right of students with disabilities to attend public schools were legally recognized under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975. The IEP is an educational road map for children with disabilities. The IEP provides outlines of exact education, services, and supplementary aids that will be provided for children.
  • Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986

    Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986
    Public Law 99-457, Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments are enacted. This gave authorization of a new preschool program for three-to-five-year-olds and an early intervention program for handicapped infants and toddlers for other purposes. Services under this program are designed to meet different areas of developmental needs of a child.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
    ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. That includes schools, transportation, public and private places that are open to the general public, jobs. This assures people with disabilities have the equal rights and opportunities. The ADA is divided into five titles that relate to different areas of public life.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) 1997

    Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) 1997
    IDEA was reauthorized in 1997, and the U.S. Department of Education issues final regulations in March 1999. This law required school districts to have effect policies and procedures to ensure a free appropriate public education for all students with disabilities.
  • No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

    No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
    Public Law 107-110, No Child Left Behind Act is enacted. This law gave new opportunities to implement important reforms. This includes evaluating teachers more significantly, and expanding their learning time for students as well as setting higher standards for student learning.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
    Public Law 108-446 is passed. This ensures all children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education to meet their needs. This law required public schools to provide special education and related services to children from ages 3-21 who meet certain eligibility criteria. This will provide early intervention services to eligible children ages birth to age 3. This law includes individualized education program (IEP).
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008

    The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008
    Public Law 110-325, The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act is enacted, effective January 1, 2009. This Act is a restoration of the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This Law is constructed into seven sections.
  • Rosa’s Law of 2010

    Rosa’s Law of 2010
    Public Law 111-256, Rosa’s Law is enacted. This law changes the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally restarted” to “intellectual disability” and “intellectually disabled” in relation to education and employment.