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Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board Link
Brown v. Board of education deemed that schools could no longer be "Separate but Equal". This racially desegregated schools, while also paving the way for special education legislation. In general the civil rights movements, inspired legislation to support the rights of individuals with disabilities. Brown v. Board of education was a groundbreaking decision that changed the field of special education significantly. -
Rehabilitation act of 1973, Section 504
Rehab 504 Link
The Rehabilitation act of 1973 prohibits the discrimination against individuals with disabilities in regards to federal programs and funding. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act has been amended to extend to services within public schools for individuals with disabilities. This law ensures Free and Appropriate education for individuals with special needs, who do not qualify for services under IDEA provisions. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
EAHCA Link
This law refers to PL 94-142. This law laid the groundwork for ensuring that students with disabilities are ensured a free and appropriate education. This law mandated an assessment and education for children with disabilities.Although this law has been amended and changed throughout the years, PL 94-142 really began the development of special education. This law was eventually amended into IDEA. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA Link
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, mandates a free and appropriate education for all students. This law changed assessment procedures as well as modified the language in the law to person first language. IDEA really strengthened the rights for individuals with special needs. IDEA is the name given to PL 99-457. This law has also been amended. -
IDEA 2004 Regulations
IDEA 2004 Link
This update to IDEA covers PL 108-446. These regulations amended certain issues within IDEA. This included addressing disproportionality in special education, improving early intervention services, and aligning IDEA with the No Child Left Behind Act. These amendments also helped outline protocol for dealing with disagreements between schools and parents, as well as improving provisions for discipline.
