Istock 000010822711small

Special Education Law Timeline

  • Brown vs. Board of Education

    Brown vs. Board of Education
    The case that led to the understanding that all people, regardless of race, gender, or disability, have a right to public education
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilition Act of 1973

    Section 504 of the Rehabilition Act of 1973
    First U.S. civil rights law to prevent discrimination against all individuals with disabilities.
  • The Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    The Education for All Handicapped Children Act
    P.L. 94-142, was designed to mandate a free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities in a state, regardless of nature or severity of the child's disability.
  • Hudson vs. Rowley

    Hudson vs. Rowley
    A case involving Amy Rowley, a child who was deaf and school refused to provide a sign language interpreter.
  • The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986

    The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986
    Public Law 99-506, an act that clarifies that supported employment, specifies that states must plan for individuals making the transition from school to work. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • The Americans Disability Act

    The Americans Disability Act
    Ensures the rights of individuals with disabilities to nondiscriminatory treatment in other aspects of their lives; in areas of employment, transportation, state and local government, and more.
  • Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA)

    Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA)
    Public Law, that ensures that all children and youths with disabilities have a right to free appropriate public education (FAPE).
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    No Child Left Behind Act
    To improve academic performance of all students including special education.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
    Re-authorization from IDEA and sometimes referred as IDEA 2004. Law didn't change.
  • Rosa's Law, P. L. 111-256

    Rosa's Law, P. L. 111-256
    A law mandated that "intellectual disability" replace "mental retardation" in many areas of the federal government.