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.
