Legislative History

  •  

    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.

  •  

    1974

    Educational Amendments Act (PL 93-380)

    Grants federal funds to states for programming for exceptional learners.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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.