History of Special Education By lasargea Jan 1, 1773 First hospital for people with disablities - Virginia Jan 1, 1817 Thomas Gallaudet - American Asylum for the Deaf Jan 1, 1896 Rhode Island first special class in US Jan 1, 1917 Vocational Rehabilitation Act Jan 1, 1972 First Center for Independent Living Jan 1, 1975 Education of All Handicapped Children Act Jan 1, 1990 IDEA May 1, 1990 ADA