Rohini Knudson
SPED Professional Portfolio
Timeline of laws affecting autistic individuals
1965
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) empowers the federal government to play an administrative role at state and local levels to extend public education to those underserved by the nation's public schools.
1968
Amendments to ESEA authorize support of national centers for the development and dissemination of information on educating students with disabilities.
1975
The Education for all Handicapped children Act EHA guarantees a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children including specially designed instruction (special education) to meet the unique needs of each child.
1973
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits any recipient of federal funding from discriminating against persons with disabilities pertaining to the services they offer. Section 504 of this act includes state and local schools under its jurisdiction.
1986
EHA amendments passed into law, extending FAPE to 3-5-year-olds and establishing early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities ages 0-2 years.
1988
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities act also known as 'Tech Act' increases access to, availability of and funding for assistive technology for all individuals with disabilities.
2004
Reauthorized IDEA emphasizes the use of evidence-based practices and calls for highly qualified special education teachers.
1990
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) replaces EHA and includes transition services to be provided by age 16 through an individualized transition plan. Autism is included as a disability category.
The Americans with Disability Act strengthens Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by demanding reasonable accommodations in the workplace and community for individuals with disabilities..
2006
Combat Autism Act* authorizes expanded federal activities related to autism research, prevention and treatment.
* The Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) has openly criticized the idea of 'combating autism' while asking for changes to language used to describe autistic individuals and the condition itself, and to increase representation of autistic individuals in federal programs intended to fund research on autism.