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supreme court decisions declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, laying the foundation for equal educational rights, including for students with disabilities.
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Provided federal funding to improve education for disadvantaged children including those with disabilities. -
Court ruled that children with intellectual disabilities were entitled to a free public education
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extended the right to education to all children with disabilities, regardless of severity.
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first federal civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination in programs receiving federal funding
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required public schools to provide free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment
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renamed EAHCA added categories like autism and traumatic brain injury plus transition services for older students
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strengthened inclusion and accountability by requiring students with disabilities to participate in state assessment
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aligned IDEA with NCLB emphasized early intervention and allowed more flexibility in special education funding.
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increased accountability for schools to ensure all students including those with disabilities meet academic standards