From "Dis"ability to Ability: Federal, State and Worldwide Policies That Make a Difference

Overview & Synopsis

Special education has come a long way in the past several years, but it still needs work. Federal and state laws have been passed in order to allow children with disabilities a chance to earn a free appropriate education in a least restrictive environment. Federal Regulations have been enacted by both Congress and the U.S. Department of Education. These regulations provide guidance to states on how to proceed with special education procedure. For the state, special education rules and regulations are represented by IDEA or Individual with Disabilities Education Act, enacted in 2004. This law provides guidance on the implementation of IDEA. This paper will address several regulations and laws regarding special education. There will be four questions addressed in this research paper: (1) How has special education changed in the past 12 years since the IDEA act was enacted in 2004?; (2) What are the state regulations on special education?; (3) What are the federal laws regarding Special education?; and (4) How did laws regarding special education influence other countries to promote equality and inclusion in special education practices? (A bibliography is included.)