Rehabilitation Act

1973

National Law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on disability.

Americans with Disabilities Act- ADA

1990

National law that protects people with individuals with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to transportation, employment, public services, and accommodations.

This act is why facilities must be ADA compliant ( ramps and elevators!) Also, first law to protect in public and private sectors.

Teachers must provide accommodations to students with disabilities. Anyone with a disability benefits from this law- prohibits discrimination. This law benefits teachers, students, parents, and anyone working or related to individuals with a disability.

Free Appropriate Education, Individualized Education Program, Zero Reject - the law protects each of these pillars by guaranteeing that individuals with disabilities have equal and fair access

ADA Amendments Act of 2008

2008

Amended the act of 1990- George W. Bush

Restored the intent and protection of the Act in 1990

1. Expanded definition of disability

This act was amended and broadened the definition of disability. This benefited students, parents, and teachers. The broadening of the definition made it easier to diagnose a disability, which allowed an individual to access resources.

5. Nondiscriminatory Identification and Evaluation: Individuals are evaluated by a team and members of the team must assess without discrimination.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act

1975

This law protects the rights of children with disabilities to meet their needs.

1. ensures free public education

2. rights of handicapped children and their parents are protected

3. assists states to provide education of all handicapped children

4. assess effectiveness of education that handicapped children are receiving

This benefits teacher, students, and parents. Students with disabilities are guaranteed services to meet their needs. This act also benefits families.

Least Restrictive Environment and Free Appropriate Public Education: protects the rights of individuals with disabilities by providing students with education that is unique to their needs

Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986

1986

Federal Law that expanded early intervention services for children with disabilities from birth to age two.

States must provide appropriate and free public education to preschoolers age 3-5.

IFSPs are established for infants and toddlers under this law.

This law benefits families. Parents are able to receive services for their children at birth. This law provided grants to states for services for disabled infants and toddlers.

Free Appropriate Education and Zero Reject: The law mandates that states must provide free and appropriate education to infants and toddlers.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

1990

IDEA states that all American children are guaranteed a free and appropriate public education regardless of disability.

Added traumatic brain injury and autism to category of disability

Individual Transition Plans must be created no later than 16 years old

This benefited families and teacher. The act adding autism and traumatic brain injury allowed more children to access services and resources.

This would fall under the pillar of Zero Reject- no child can be denied their right for an education.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act- Amended

1997

This amendment to the IDEA act made several changes including transition planning at age 14, students with disabilities disciplinary actions, additional IEP requirements, and students with disabilities are included in state testing.

General Education teachers are now apart of the IEP team.

This benefits students and teachers as this will provide students with more support in the classroom.

Free Appropriate Public Education: This law mandates that student with disabilities are having FAPE.

IDEA 2004

2004

Revision of IDEA, which mandated funding for special education for children with learning disabilities.

1. Major Changes and Updates:

   a. Early Intervention Services

   b. State and local testing is required

   c. Changes to private schools, financial requirements, and procedural safeguarding

   d. definition of "highly qualified teachers"

This benefits teachers and students and their families. This law started conversations and discussions regarding modifications to procedural safeguards to honor rights of students with disabilities.

Procedural Due Process: Laws that protect rights of children with disabilities including their parents and school.

No Child Left Behind Act

2001

Extended and revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act and held schools accountable for students performance.

States tested students yearly in reading and mathematics skills

Teachers required to meet higher standards for certifications.

Penalized schools that did not show improvement

This benefited schools that performed well. The law held schools accountable for the students performance and set the goal of being proficient for all students.

Parental and Student Participation: Parents were sent home test scores.

Free Appropriate Education: All students were required to test.

Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

1972

Ruled that the state could not deny an individual's right to equal access to education based on intellectual or developmental status.

One of the first cases to begin the fight for individuals with disabilities to have equal and appropriate educations.

This benefited families and their children. Children could not be denied an education if they had a disability.

Zero Reject: every child has a right to an education

Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District vs. Rowley

1982

Amy Rowley, a deaf student, was denied a sign language interpreter. Amy's parents sued the school for not using federal funds to provide her with a free appropriate public education. Amy was not learning to her full potential without an interpreter.

This law benefits students with a disability, parents of those children, and teachers of those students. This court decision defined the term "free appropriate public education" that is a pillar of special education.

Free Appropriate Education: each child is guaranteed a proper education

1989

Daniel RR vs State Board of Education

Daniel, a 6 year old with Down Syndrome, was denied by his pre-k teacher to attend a regular pre-k class. She stated that he need more 1:1 support and would not benefit from her class. The school committee decided that that Daniel should return to a full day in a special education classroom. His parents sued the school district.

This court cases ensures that students with disabilities are given the same opportunities as other students

This court case has benefited students with disabilities. It mandates that students are given a free and appropriate public education supportive to a student's needs.

Least Restrictive Environment: The law states that students cannot be excluded from an education due to having a disability

1990

Rafael Oberti vs Board of Education of the Borough of Clementon

Rafael Oberti, an 8 year old with Down Syndrome, was removed from his classroom and placed in a separated special education class.

Students with disabilities benefit from this case. School districts need to create education plans for students with disabilities to learn in a least restrictive environment.

Least Restrictive: Schools receive funding and can use this funding for aids and services for students with disabilities. Schools have to provide inclusion to all students.

Zero Reject: Students are not allowed to be denied access to education.

1999

Cedar Rapids Community School District vs. Garret F

Garret, a student who required a wheelchair and dependent on a ventilator, was denied financial responsibility by his school for nursing services during school hours. The schools refusal violating IDEA.

Supreme Court Case that ruled that schools districts must provide nursing services

Families, students and parents benefit from this case. This case guarantees that schools are financially responsible for nursing services during school hours.

Free and Appropriate Education: IDEA includes medical services