The official recognition that learning disabilities are a barrier to a child's education opened doors for millions of children. Congressional passage of the Education of the Handicapped Act in 1970 required schools to provide support services for children labeled with a disability. Since then, research and understanding of conditions like autism, dyslexia, processing deficits and other impediments has grown. Steps taken by the federal government, and some states, have helped level the playing field for all kids.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975. This law, according to LD Online, mandated free and appropriate public education for all students. Fifteen years later, the law was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and expanded to include children with autism and traumatic brain injuries. The latest revision in 2004 put into place new programs related to identification of students with learning disabilities. The National Center for Learning Disabilities reports that prior to 2004, a student had to prove a gap between his abilities and achievement, using a formula that compared an IQ test with a standardized achievement test. The 2004 amendments eliminated the discrepancy gap in favor of a broader diagnostic process that assesses students based on their developmental growth and academic knowledge.
Rehabilitation Act: Section 504
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 makes discrimination on the basis of disability a federal crime. Section 504 of the act offers disability protection to anyone who has a mental impairment that "substantially limits" at least one major life activity. The National Center for Learning Disabilities writes that the Americans with Disabilities Act considers learning, reading, thinking and concentrating all to be major life activities. Section 504 protects children against discrimination by requiring schools to notify a parent before testing or evaluating the child, and taking into account cultural, social, economic and academic conditions when making a diagnosis. The law also states that, once labeled, the student's education needs must be met in the "least restrictive environment" possible.
Testing
Federal education law requires schools to provide an educational evaluation of a student's abilities upon a parent's request. The testing is typically conducted by school faculty, and testing methods and evaluation vary from school district to school district. The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities reports that parents can also request that an evaluation be performed by independent evaluators, and this may be performed at the school's expense. The IDEA provides this option if the parent disputes the results of the school evaluation. At an appeal hearing, the parent can request an Independent Educational Evaluation to be conducted at the public's expense.
Adapted Learning Materials
Each state's department of education operates differently, but all have an office or agency that provides services for the disabled. In New York State, it is known as the Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities, while California has the Special Education Division. These agencies provide support to parents and children, and connect families to available resources, such as adaptable learning materials. VESID's handbook states that an education program may provide books, tools and equipment for training or employment. For students with dyslexia, this may include books on tape. Those with processing deficits may qualify to receive recording devices, computer hardware or software and other equipment to help synthesize notes and complete assessments. Most services provided by state programs are free or available at reduced fees based on family income.
References
- LDOnline: Evaluation/LD Testing
- National Center for Learning Disabilities: What Parents of Students with Learning Disabilities Need to Know
- National Center for Learning Disabilities: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: Questions and Answers about IDEA
- Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities Handbook
