Progression: This act makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in programs run by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal money, in federal jobs, and in jobs with federal contractors.

Benefit: For individuals like Sadie, this act set the foundation for fair treatment in programs funded by the government, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities and services.

Progression: This act required public schools to provide equal access to education for children with disabilities and established their right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Benefit: Individuals like Sadie benefited from this act by receiving an education tailored to their unique needs, supporting their academic and personal growth from a young age.

Progression: This act gave money to states to create programs that help people with disabilities use technology.

Benefit: The act made sure that people like Sadie can use tools like switch control and text-to-speech, which help them do things like daily tasks and professional work, such as video editing.

Progression: This important civil rights law makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the public.

Benefit: The ADA greatly improves the ability of individuals like Sadie to fully participate in society by requiring accessibility in various public areas, giving them more independence and opportunities.

Progression: This act renamed and expanded the Education for All Handicapped Children Act to include transition services, assistive technology, and more individualized education programs (IEPs).

Benefit: Sadie benefited from enhanced educational supports and services tailored to her needs, including the use of assistive technology, which facilitated her learning and skill development.

Progression: This reauthorization of IDEA emphasized improving educational results for children with disabilities, including greater access to the general education curriculum and increased parental involvement.

Benefit: Sadie gained improved educational outcomes through more inclusive educational practices and enhanced collaboration between her family and educators.

Progression: This reauthorization focused on aligning IDEA with the No Child Left Behind Act, emphasizing accountability and setting higher standards for students with disabilities.

Benefit: Sadie experienced a more rigorous educational framework that held schools accountable for her educational progress, ensuring that she received a high-quality education that prepared her for further education and employment.