Timeline of Diversity and Equity in American Education for the Disabled

Work Cited

1 CE

Black Board websites used. (sorry it wouldn't let me link them)

Samuel A. Kirk - Learning Disabilities

1963

In 1963 Samuel A. Kirk changed the way the school system viewed children that didn't learn the same way as the average child. Kirk created the term learning disability. Having a learning disability was different then having an illness or disease and made testing for this accessible for children in public schools. He also raised the awareness of children having learning disabilities.

Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Children v. Commonwealth

1971

This court case was a case that changed American public schools and was one the first cases to really start shaping the public school system. This case made it unconstitutional for a public school to deny any student with a disability. The ruling was in favor of the children and that all children deserved the right to a public education,

Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia

1972

This court case was in fight for the disabled students that were turned away in the district of Columbia. They were turned away because the district said they didn't have enough resources to provided for this students in public school. The parents fighting against the board won the case.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

1973

This act was put in place to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. The act protected the civil rights of those with severe disabilities. This act also allowed for those who have minor disabilities but still need assistance. The act made sure those in need were guaranteed.

The Education of All Handicapped Children Act

1975

This act ensured that all students with disabilities were granted a free public education. This allowed students to have the care they needed and receive a public school education. This act was placed nationally and made all states go by the act and enforce it.

Board of Education v. Rowley

1982

This court case was a fight for a deaf child to have an interpreter. The court ruled against the child because she was doing well in school and was already given a free public school education. Although in the state of New York they are required to give the student help that is needed she was denied.

Smith v. Robinson

1984

This case was for a child that was sent to a school that didn't offer the necessary services that the child needed. The case was lost and the child was not given the necessary help they needed. The court ruled that the program needed to seek out government help and the parents couldn't do it on their own.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

1990

This act was a very influential act put in place that is still in act today. This act allowed for an American with a disability to be protected. Discrimination against any person with a disability was prohibited with this act in place.