History of Special Education

  • Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia

    Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
    Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia (1972) was an important case in the history of special education law in the United States. It centered on the exclusion of children with disabilities from public schools and their subsequent lack of access to education. The ruling established that children with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and that the denial of such education constitutes a violation of due process.
  • Brown v. Board of Education

    Brown v. Board of Education
    Brown v. Board of Education (1954) was a landmark Supreme Court case that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.The case paved the way for desegregation efforts in schools and catalyzed broader social and legal changes aimed at dismantling racial segregation in the United States.
    https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education
  • Department of Public Welfare versus Haas

    Department of Public Welfare versus Haas
    In the case of Department of Public Welfare v. Haas (1976), the Supreme Court ruled on the issue of reimbursing parents for private school tuition for children with disabilities. The case centered on a Pennsylvania statute that authorized reimbursement for private school tuition if the public school failed to provide appropriate special education services. This ruling significantly influenced special education policy and provided parents with leverage in ensuring their children's needs were met.
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Elementary and Secondary Education Act
    The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 was a cornerstone of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. It aimed to close the achievement gap for disadvantaged students by providing federal funding to improve educational opportunities. ESEA allocated resources for programs such as Title I, which targeted funding to schools with high numbers of low-income students, and emphasized the importance of equal access to quality education for all students.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)

    Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)
    The Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA) of 1973 is a significant federal law that aims to provide individuals with services and resources to achieve employment and independence. Through vocational rehabilitation services such as job training, counseling, and job placement assistance, the VRA seeks to facilitate the integration of individuals with disabilities into the workforce and promote equal opportunity and access to employment opportunities.
  • Educational Amendment Act

    Educational Amendment Act
    The Educational Amendments Act of 1974, an update to the Higher Education Act of 1965, introduced significant changes to educational policy in the United States. One of its key provisions was Title IX, which prohibited sex discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funding, thus opening up educational opportunities for women and girls.Overall, the Act aimed to promote equal access to education and address systemic inequalities within the education system.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act(EAHCA)

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act(EAHCA)
    The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, enacted in 1975, was a significant legislative act in the United States. It aimed to ensure that all children with disabilities received a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable educational system for all children.
  • American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, and government services. The ADA ensures equal opportunity, access, and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, fostering inclusion and participation in society.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), passed in 1997, is a federal law in the United States that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities. IDEA ensures that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs in the least restrictive environment possible.
  • No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
    The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), signed into law in 2002, aimed to improve education standards across the United States by holding schools accountable for student performance through standardized testing. It required states to establish academic standards and measure student progress annually. https://youtu.be/0--2nhsDorg?si=yGaiLf01hOzIdgzC