1817-2015

By Jade Morales

  • April 15, 1817 – First American School for the Deaf

    Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc opened the first permanent school for the deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. This school was the foundation of formal education for students with disabilities in the U.S. It marked the beginning of specialized instruction for students with hearing impairments.

  • May 1, 1829 – Perkins School for the Blind

    The Perkins School for the Blind opened in Boston, Massachusetts. It provided formal education and vocational training for children who were visually impaired, promoting independence and inclusion in society.
  • May 17, 1954 – Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Decision

    May 17, 1954 – Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Decision

    The Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional. While this case focused on race, it set the legal precedent for equal educational access, which influenced later inclusion laws for students with disabilities.
  • September 26, 1973 – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    September 26, 1973 – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Section 504 prohibited discrimination against students with disabilities in any program receiving federal funding. This was one of the first laws to require schools to provide accommodations for students with disabilities.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxx6rQqIjpY
  • November 29, 1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA, later IDEA)

    November 29, 1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA, later IDEA)

    This landmark law guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities. Schools were required to create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and provide education in the least restrictive environment.
  • October 30, 1986 – Handicapped Children’s Protection Act

    October 30, 1986 – Handicapped Children’s Protection Act

    This law strengthened the rights of parents to challenge decisions regarding their child’s education under EAHCA. It ensured due process protections for students with disabilities.
  • November 29, 1990 – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    November 29, 1990 – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    EAHCA was renamed IDEA, emphasizing education tailored to students’ needs. IDEA also promoted inclusion in general education classrooms whenever possible, reinforcing the principle of least restrictive environment.
    https://sites.ed.gov/idea/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  • June 4, 1997 – IDEA Reauthorization

    June 4, 1997 – IDEA Reauthorization

    The reauthorization focused on improving academic outcomes and accountability for students with disabilities. It emphasized the importance of early intervention and inclusion in general education.
  • January 8, 2002 – No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    January 8, 2002 – No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    NCLB required that students with disabilities be included in standardized assessments and accountability measures. It increased focus on academic achievement for all students, including those in special education.
  • December 10, 2015 – Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    December 10, 2015 – Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    ESSA replaced NCLB and gave more flexibility to states while continuing to support students with disabilities. It encouraged inclusive practices and the integration of special education students in general classrooms.