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On October 6th, 1954 the supreme court ruled that school segregation by race was not constitutional even if resources were allotted equally. This was the first time that the federal government had advocated for students who experienced inequality and prejudice at school. It also set the path for future legislation for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.history.com/news/brown-v-board-of-education-the-first-step-in-the-desegregation-of-americas-schools -
This association challenged the constitutionality of excluding individuals with mental retardation from public education and training. the state of Pennsylvania was not allowed to "deny to any mental retarded child access to free public program of education and training.(Vaughn, Bos, Schumm, 7th edition 2020). -
1958: Department of Public Welfare v Haas
Although the U.S. was in the midst of the civil rights movement, students with disabilities were still not protected by rulings such as Brown v Board. The Department of Public Welfare v Haas case ruled that the state of Illinois did not have to provide a free public education to students with disabilities because they were considered "feeble minded". -
In this case the District of Columbia courts required that the state provide adequate alternative public educational services even if the students did not have the money to pay for the educational services. All children regardless of their disabilities should be entitled to free quality education services.
https://youtu.be/NdzpyzmeolU -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973which was passed by president Nixon was the first legislation to address the notion of equal access for individuals with disabilities through the removal of architectural, employment, and transportation barriers. It also created rights of persons with disabilities through affirmative action programs. https://www.insightintodiversity.com/the-rehabilitation-act-of-1973-45-years-of-activism-and-progress/ -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) was revolutionary for special education because it gave students with disabilities the following rights:
Free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities (ages: 5-18) access to individualized educational plans (IEP's) as well as first defined Least restrictive environment (LRE) -
In the case of Rowley Vs. Hendrick Hudson School District paved an open door for many students with disabilities now and back then. The courts held that public schools are not required by law to provide sign interpreters to deaf students who are already obtaining a fair and adequate education (Docket no, Rowley V.) https://youtu.be/vIXSW-DYVm8 -
NCLB introduced significant changes in the curriculum of public primary and secondary schools in the United states. Under the law, states were required to administer yearly academic tests to help students thrive. NCLB holds schools accountable for the educational outcomes of those children, as well as all others. In the past, students with disabilities were frequently left out of state and district level assessment and accountability systems; -
The Individuals with disabilities education improvement Act is a U.S. law which ensures that 'ALL" children with disabilities are entitled to a free quality education to meet their diverse needs and prepare them for further education within their society. This act implemented guidelines and provisions LRE environment; for students with disabilities, which included evidence based practices, discipline system, Response to intervention RTI services IEP services, and early intervention programs. -
The every student succeeds act is an equal opportunity for all students within the educational system. ESSA act replaced the No child left behind act. ESSA provides a plethora of schools when students are not making necessary gains, this act shifts accountability from federal government to state and local control where progress is monitored and sanctions determined. (Vaughn, Bos, Schumm, 7th edition 2020).