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1973
Vocational Rehabilitation Act- Section 504 (PL 93-112)
Defines handicapped person.
Defines appropriate education.
Prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in federally funded programs.
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1974
Educational Amendments Act (PL 93-380)
Grants federal funds to states for programming for exceptional learners.
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1975
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)
Requires free, appropriate public education between ages 5–18.
Requires individualized programming in the least restrictive environment.
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1986
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments (PL 99-457)
Requires states to extend free appropriate education down to ages 3–5.
Establishes early intervention programs for birth–2 years.
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1990
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (PL 101-336)
Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in private sector.
Protects equal opportunity to employment, public services, accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
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1990
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (PL 101-476, replaces 94-142)
Extends support services: Adds two categories (autism, traumatic brain injury), bilingual special education, transition services, transition programming.
Relevant to K–12 educational system.
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1997
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), amended and reauthorized in 2004 (PL 105-17)
Requires services when expelled.
Greater responsibility in educating students in general education curriculum.
Other provisions related to inclusion, accountability, and standards.
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2008
Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAA)
Added definitions to terms not defined in the original law.
Further clarified substantial limitations and major life activities.