Legislation+that+led+to+Special+Eduation+Today

[|Link to Video] The first landmark case was Pensylvania Association for Retarded Children against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It assured that all children including those with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate education.
 * Legislation that Led to Special Education Today**

Vocational Rehabilitation Act 1973- People couldn't discriminate in employment because a person was handicap. In 1974 they expanded the law to include all civil rights including education, employment, health, welfare, and other social services programs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act 2008 defines discrimination as segregation, inferior or less effective services, benefits, or activites; architectural, transportation, and communication barriers; failure to make reasonalbe accommodations; and discriminatory qualifications and performance standards.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (PL 94-142)- all people between ages 3 and 18 must be provided with a free and appropriate public education
 * amendment of 1983 extedended federal aid to school systems
 * amendment of 1986: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities established statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, programs of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with handicaps and their families

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)- formally known as Education for all Handicapped Children Act
 * Zero Reject Policy- no child should be turned away no matter how severe their disability ages 3 through 21
 * Free Appropriate Education Principle
 * Individualized Education Plan- each child with a disability gets their own IEP that gives goals for the child
 * Least Restrictive Environment- this is where the child will learn with most benefit. We try to place the child in the general classroom as much as possible but we allow them in to resource rooms or the special ed rooms based on what they need
 * Due Process- if a parent does not agree with the plan that has been decided they have a right to go to court
 * Family Decision Making- The parent must approve everything that is done with their child