2024 Update
The Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 - ANSWER>>Provided education and vocational-technical
training to displaced workers. This legislation is why Rehabilitation Counseling
subsequently became associated with Colleges of Education in the USA.
The Soldier's Rehabilitation Act of 1918 - ANSWER>>Helped to develop a priority of
service to those who were injured in the line of duty (World War I).
Smith-Fess Act - 1920 (Vocational Rehabilitation Act) - ANSWER>>Expanded services
to persons with other types of disabilities. Congress provided funding that could be
used for vocational guidance, training, occupational adjustment services, and job
placement.
The Social Security Act of 1935 - ANSWER>>Provided benefits for people with specific
disabling conditions, such as black lung disease. Benefits were available to children
and spouses of workers who were disabled and unable to work. Vocational
rehabilitation was made a permanent federal program.
The Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936 - ANSWER>>Provided a priority to service
contracts for persons who were blind, to operate vending stands on federal property.
Also authorized a study to determine types of work individuals with visual disabilities
could perform.
The Wagner-O'Day Act of 1938 - ANSWER>>Helped sheltered workshops compete for
federal contracts by giving them the first opportunity to bid on the contracts. This act is
still current and operates similarly today to how it had in the past.
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act of 1971 - ANSWER>>extended purchase authority to
workshops for people with severe disabilities in addition to blindness.