Special Education Law Timeline

  • Establishment of the Learning Disabilities Association of America

    Establishment of the Learning Disabilities Association of America

    This Association supported those with learning disabilities and being a supportive group for their educational needs. This establishment has impacted special education today by providing resources, raising awareness, and providing effective strategies for exceptional learners.
  • Special Olympics

    Special Olympics

    The Special Olympics had its first international game in Chicago, Illinois founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Special Olympics consist of sports training and athletic competitions all year round. This event is significant because it recognized inclusive sports for those with intellectual disabilities, and breaking down societal barriers.
  • 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 identified that individuals with disabilities specifically students, have the right to free and appropriate public education despite the severity of their disability. This is significant in history because the establishment of rights for student with disabilities was granted and the allowance of quality education.
  • Establishment of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABA)

    Establishment of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABA)

    The Association of Behavior Analysis focuses on behavioral principals for those with disabilities to be able to understand and predict behavior. This is a significant finding due to promoting practices in special education and enhancing overall quality of life with developing evidence-based interventions for those with disabilities.
  • Introduction of the Least Restrictive Environment Principle (LRE)

    Introduction of the Least Restrictive Environment Principle (LRE)

    Least Restrictive Environment emphasized that students with disabilities be educated to the highest capacity possible with their typically developing peers. This signifies and promotes inclusive practices and provides learning opportunities and social interactions with all students.
  • Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibited discrimination against those with disabilities in many aspects including, employment, transportation, and public accommodations. This Act has made a significant impact by allowing accessibility and promoting inclusive practices.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act expanded and reauthorized the protections and rights to those with disabilities for free appropriate education that fit their needs. This signified special education by highlighting parental involvement, inclusive practices, and the importance of individualized education plans.
  • Olmstead v. L.C

    Olmstead v. L.C

    Olmstead v. L.C ruled that unjustified segregation of those with disabilities in institutions violates their rights under Americans with Disabilities Act and is a form of discrimination and public services must be provided with necessary accommodations. This emphasized the importance of community integration and greater independence for individuals with disabilities.
  • No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    The No Child Left Behind Act focused on improving elementary and secondary education with the development of academic standards for all students, and those with disabilities. This is significant in history because it increased opportunities for school choice, accountability, and standardized testing for the achievement of students.
  • Introduction of Response to Intervention Framework (RTI)

    Introduction of Response to Intervention Framework (RTI)

    The Response to Intervention framework was utilized to support and identify student with learning difficulties. With the involvement of the multi-tiered system of interventions, students can be supported based on their individual needs and early intervention of learning challenges. The is also significant to special education to ensure every student receives the assistance and support needed to succeed and identify possible struggles early on.