History of Special Education and Inclusive Education Timeline

Advocacy Groups

1930

The first advocacy groups consisted of 10 groups consisting of parents whose kids were made to feel unimportant. In 1933, The Council for the Retarded Child in Cuyahoga County held the most members.This group provided resources for kids who had been excluded from public schools.](http://www.thearc.org/who-we-are/history/anonymous-account)

Brown v. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

This law opened many doors for children with special needs. School's welcomed children regardless of gender, race, and disability. It welcomed diverse classrooms. The Browns brought the case to the Supreme Court and said that you can separate the children by colors but they can not be called equals with that segregation. Children from all over were included in these public schools.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

Apr 9, 1965

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson as part of the “War on Poverty.” ESEA This law not only demanded for equal access to education for all students, but also federal funding for both primary and secondary education for students disadvantaged by poverty.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142)

1975

This federal law demanded that children with special needs be given the chance for an equal and fair education. Children were welcome into public schools, allowing them to attend school from 5-21. In order to qualify for their special needs program- the child must be tested before and if he/she qualifies be given an IEP (Individual Education Plan). The parents must also agree to evaluations and make sure the IEP is updated every year.

Handicapped Children’s Protection Act of 1968

Aug 5, 1986

The 40th President, Ronald Reagan signed this law that granted parents to get more say into their children's IEP and what to do for their development. Parents now have the last say when it comes regarding a situation with their child. Also, being given reasonable attorney fee's to the parents having children with special needs.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Jun 4, 1997

This was around the time when inclusion really began with children with special needs. President Clinton revamped the law IDEA. He implemented many important amendments that made it mandatory to give every child the same right to education. He also expanded what was the range for "developmental delay". The spectrum now ranged from birth to nine.On top of that, he allowed parents to intervene early from birth to two.

Elementary and Secondary Education No Child Left Behind Act

2001

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was proposed by President George W. Bush and has been a polarizing act. This law makes students, including, those with disabilities, to be competent and skilled in both both and English. The major focuses of the No Child Left Behind is to close achievement gaps by providing all children with fair and equal opportunities to obtain a high quality education. This legislation funds federal programs whose goal are to improve the performance of schools.

American with disabilities act amendments of 2008

Sep 25, 2008

This act made sure to truly define what "disability" meant. It made it easier to claim being disabled. This act became effective in January 1, 2009. This expanded what the bills have to pay and their social skills. It was said that if you were disabled it would prevent you from doing certain things or keep focus.

Rosa's Law

2010

In October 2010, President Barack Obama signed Rosa's LAw. This law change the references in federal law from "mental retardation" to intellectual disability", and references to mentally retarded individual with an intellectual disability.The reasoning behind this law was in hope to create a healthy atmosphere for learning in schools across the country and also have more inclusion in the classroom.

Texas broke special education laws and denied services, federal investigation finds

2018

There have been numerous schools in Texas that have been intentionally breaking the law by denying appropriate accommodations for thousands of students with special needs- so they can keep their numbers down and cut spending. It is illegal to deny services for students with special needs and it is also immoral. Governor Greg Abbot ordered Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath to create a plan to take action. Morath will get input from parents, advocacy groups and school administrations.