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Establishment of Perkins School for the Blind
Perkins School for the Blind, established in 1829, was the first ever school for the visually impaired. Its programs provide methods of education for individuals with visual impairments, CVI and deaf blindness. It laid the groundwork for special education development. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a Supreme Court case which ruling declared state laws prohibiting the separation of black and white students in public schools. While its original intentions were for anti-segregation, it has been applied to issues concerning disability discrimination.
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Establishment of the President's Panel on Mental Retardation
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy presented this panel to address issues related to intellectual disability, referred to at the time as mental retardation. It brought attention to the needs, cares, and treatments for those with intellectual disabilities. This helped lay the groundwork for future legislation and advocacy for those with disabilities. -
Provisions of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act
Also known as the Rehabilitation Act, is a legislation that addresses discrimination against individuals with disabilities in order to promote equal opportunities in life, specifically in employment. This act includes services for independent living, research, and training programs to increase the opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities. This act has played a crucial role in giving equal opportunities for education, employment, and public services to those with disabilities -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, or EAHCA, was a piece of legislation which mandated a free education for all children with disabilities. It supported states and cities in protecting the rights of infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and their household. It required schools to provide individualized education programs (IEP), allowing each child’s individual needs to be met. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination not only in an educational setting, but in any public place, including employment, transportation, programs, services, etc. It endorsed reasonable accommodations and accessibility in schools and other public environments. It not only paved the way for future legislation, but also advanced the rights of individuals with disabilities. YouTube Link -
Olmstead v. L.C.
This decision was significant for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in mainstream school settings. Olmstead v. L.C. was a Supreme Court case which ruled that unjustified segregation of individuals with disabilities constitutes as discrimination under the ADA. This allowed students to be integrated with each other, while still providing appropriate services for the needs of students with disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law, amended in 2004, which makes education free for eligible children with disabilities, and any related services they may require. It emphasizes the importance for children with disabilities to be educated alongside their non-disabled peers. Its goal is to provide services in the least restrictive environment and mandate the development of IEPs for each student. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
This Act was established in 2008. The goal of The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) was to broaden the meaning of disability and provide more protection for individuals with disabilities. Another focus of the ADAAA was to restore the aim of the ADA, which was to provide civil rights protections for people with disabilities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), in placement of the No Child Left Behind Act, and modified provisions related to the periodic standardized tests given to students. It allowed each state to give a test that best fit the academic statues and student success in their state. The ESSA requires states to measure performance in math, reading, and science, let each state determine the way students are tested, and each school must inform parents about their standards and results.