Civil Rights Act 1964

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 has been hailed as landmark legislation because it made major types of discrimination illegal. Although it is typically seen to address racial discrimination and discrimination against women, it also guaranteed the rights of all citizens --- including citizens with disabilities --- equal protection under the law.
  
  

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973

• Section 504 protects person with disabilities, who meet qualifications, from being discriminated against because of their disability. This law pertains to employers and organizations that accept any kind of federal financial assistance. For example, hospitals, nursing home, child care centers and human service agencies may not discriminate in providing services or employment based on disability. The law indicates that persons with disabilities have the right to participate in and have access to program benefits and services.
  
  

Education for All Handicapped Children Act 1975

• The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, also known as PL. 94-142, was landmark legislation ensuring all children receive their constitutional right to a free appropriate public education. This law required all public schools, who accepted federal funds of any kind, to provide equal access for children who had physical and mental disabilities. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was revised in 1990 and renamed as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  
  

Education for All Handicapped Children Act 1986

• In 1986, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was amended in a significant way. Infants and toddlers were added, under Part C of the Act, which opened up special education law to children from birth to age 21. Part C is not entitlement law, which means state legislative systems have to make it a state law to provide early intervention services and receive federal financial support. Federal dollars are appropriated based on an annual head count of infants and toddlers who receive services.
  
  

Americans with Disabilities Act 1990

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 and is a broad civil rights law. The premise of the ADA is that persons with disabilities are not to be discriminated against in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation and telecommunications. Under the ADA, a disability is a "physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity." The ADA is periodically reviewed and amendments are included if necessary.