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Brown V. Board of Education
A U.S. Supreme Court case that ruled that American state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools are unconstitutional, even if the segregated schools are equal in quality. This case was the catalyst for understanding that all people, regardless of race, gender, and/or disability, have a right to public education. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
This law, signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, outlawed major forms of discrimination against African Americans and women, including racial segregation. It ended racial segregation in schools. It was the beginning of equal rights for all in education. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)
This law provided a plan for readdressing inequality of educational opportunities for children who are economically underprivileged. It became the foundation for which early special education legislation was drafted. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
A court case in which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was sued by PARC over a law that gave public schools the authority to deny a free education to children who had reached the age of 8, but had not reached the mental age of 5. Established the right of children with mental retardation to a public education in the state of Pennsylvania. This case helped lay the groundwork for federal legislation to grant equal rights in education to all children with disabilities. -
Tthe Community Services Act
10% of children enrolled in the Head Start program must be children with disabilities. The program provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low income children and their families. Enables children with disabilities to participate in head start programs and be linked into resources and education at an earlier age. -
Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
First special education case to land in the U.S. Supreme Court in which a young girl, Amy Rowley, was denied access to an interpreter by the school system because she was able to read lips. The court ruled that the students who qualify for special education services must have access to public school programs that meet their needs, and that the programs must be supported by services that enable students to benefit from instruction. -
The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendements of 1986
A new grant program for states to develop an early intervention system for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families and provide greater incentives for states to provide preschool programs for children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 5. Created more early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities. Addresses the education needs of children with disabilities from birth to ag 18 or 21. The overall goal of this act is to provide children with disabilities the same opportunity for education as those students who do not have a disability. -
President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education (PCESE)
President George Bush established a commission on Excellence in Special Education to collect information and study issues related to federal, state, and local special education programs with the goal of recommending policies for improving the education performance of student with disabilities. -
Court affirms reimbursement for Special Education
a. Supreme court ruled that parents of special education students may seek government reimbursement for private school tuition, even if they have never received special education services in public school. Allows students who need special education services to attend private school without being hindered financially.
