Final answer:
The US began enacting laws concerning Special Education in the 20th century, with key legislations like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, which later became known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States began enacting laws regarding Special Education (SPED) by the mid-20th century. Significant legislation includes the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which made it illegal to discriminate based on disability in federal employment and programs and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, later known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The IDEA mandated that public schools educate children with disabilities and standardized approaches to tailoring education to individual needs. A pivotal update in SPED law occurred with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, reinforcing and expanding protections for individuals with disabilities in many more aspects of public life, including employment and public access.
These laws have been critical in shaping the educational landscape by requiring reasonable accommodations and ensuring that students with disabilities receive an education commensurate to that of their non-disabled peers. Parental input and individual educational plans (IEPs) are cornerstones of IDEA, empowering families and students to participate in the education process actively.
Over time, these laws have been amended and expanded to improve the inclusivity and effectiveness of education for students with disabilities, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to equal educational opportunities for all.