Major court cases and laws that govern special education:

Date
1958

Court Cases and Laws

National Defense Education Act
(PL 85-926)

1961

Special Education Act

(PL 88-164)
Section
1 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
(PL993-112)
7
3
1975 Education for All Handicapped
Children Act (PL 94-103)

1983

Amendments to the Education of the

Handicapped Children Act of 1978 (PL
98-199)

1984

Developmental Disabilities Assistance

and Bill of Rights Act (PL 98-527)

1986

Handicapped children Protection Act

(PL 99-372)
Education for the Handicapped Act
Amendments of 1986 (PL 99-457)

1986

1986
1988

1990

1990

Rehabilitation Act Amendments (PL

99-506)
Technology-Related Assistance for
Individuals with Disabilities Act 1988
(PL 100-407)
American with Disabilities Act (PL
101-336)

Individuals with Disabilities Education

Educational Implications
Provided funds to train professionals to teach
teachers how to teach children with intellectual
disabilities.
Funds for training professionals to teach
teachers how to teach deaf students.
Affirmed that a person cannot be excluded
because of their disability from programs
receiving federal funds
Mandated free and appropriate public
education for all children 6-21. Also protects
the rights of children with disabilities and their
parents in educational decisions. IEP for every
child with disabilities. Children with
disabilities are to receive education is a least
restrictive environment.
Requires states to collect data on the number
of youth with disabilities exiting their systems.
Address the needs of secondary students
making the transition into adulthood. Also
gave incentives to states to provide services to
infants and preschool children with disabilities.
This act mandated the development of
employment-related training activities with
disabilities.
Reimbursement of attorney fees to parents who
prevail in a hearing or court case.
Requires states to provide free appropriate
education to all 3-5 year olds with disabilities
who qualify for federal preschool funding.
Incentives are provided to states who develop
services for infants and toddlers and their
families.
Develop supported employment programs for
adults with disabilities.
A statewide program of technology assistance
for individuals with disabilities was created.
Protection of individuals with disabilities in
private sector employment, public services,
public accommodations, transportation, and
telecommunications.
Was renamed, added autism and traumatic

Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1990 (PL

101-476)

1997

Individuals with Disabilities Education

Act (IDEA) of 1997 (PL 105-17)

brain injury as eligibility categories into

special education. IEP must provide transition
services no later than 16 years of age.
Rehabilitation counseling and social work
services.
Revisions: add general education teacher to
IEP team, students with disabilities have
access to general education curriculum, IEP
include positive behavioral support plans,
students with disabilities must be included in
district and state assessments, and
manifestation determination.