2004

The Assistive Technology Act amended the AT Act of 1998. The Act supports states to expand access to assistive technology. Funds cover financing AT, loan programs, training and public awareness, among other uses.

2004

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, among other things, changed the way schools identify students w/ disabilities and made changes related to IEP requirements and transition services.

2002

The Help America Vote Act is intended to make voting more accessible. It includes provisions about accessibility and accommodations for voters with disabilities.

2001

The No Child Left Behind Act reformed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by requiring, among other things that states raise standards for all children, including students with disabilities, with the goal of closing achievement gaps.

1999

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Olmstead v. L.C. determines unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities constitutes discrimination and violates the ADA. People with disabilities have a right to receive benefits in the “most integrated setting appropriate to their needs,” and failure to find community-based placements for qualifying people with disabilities is illegal discrimination.

1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is signed prohibiting discrimination based on disability. It is considered the most important civil rights law since Section 504 of the Rehab Act.

1988

The Fair Housing Amendments Act expands on the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and requires a certain number of accessible housing units be created in all new multi-family housing. The act covers both public and private homes and not only those in receipt of federal funding.

1980

The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act gives the Department of Justice power to sue state or local institutions that violate the rights of people held against their will, including those institutionalized for mental illness.

1975

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act —now called the individuals with Disabilities Education Act, guarantees a free, appropriate, public education for all children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.

1973

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act makes it illegal for federal agencies, public universities, and other public institutions receiving federal funds to discriminate on the basis of disability.