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According to McBride (2006), Brown vs Board was a supreme court ruling in 1954 that ruled against racial segregation in schools. This ruling was a crucial step towards equality in the educational system for all students including those with disabilities, and galvanized the nascent civil rights movement into a full revolution. References McBride, A. (2006, December). Brown v. Board of Education (1954). thirteen.org.
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According to Forte (2025), P.A.R.C. vs Pennsylvania was one of the original lawsuits that argued against the exclusion of people with disabilities from the educational setting. This is, in part, became the framework for the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). References Forte, J. (2025). History of Special Education: Important Landmark Cases. Forte Law Group.
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According to the IDEA website, "The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children". This ensured that students with disabilities have access to education in the least restrictive environment, with limited exceptions. References Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (n.d.). ed.gov.
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According to the Americans with Disabilities website, "The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else" (ADA.gov). Essentially, the Americans with Disabilities Act prevents discrimination agains people with disabilities, allowing them to participate in society equally. Students with disabilities benefit from least restrictive environment. Reference Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (n.d.). ADA.gov.