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Beginning of Special Education
Rhode Island opened the first special education class in the United States. During that time, public school teachers became increasingly aware of the number of students with learning disabilities, labeled "backward" or "feebleminded," and called for special classes and the teachers who could educate them. -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC is known as THE source for information, resources, and professional development for special educators. CEC advocates for underserved individuals with exceptionalities, holds an annual convention, and has available professional journals, brochures, and a newsletter. -
Children with Learning Disabilities (LDA)
Formerly known as the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. LDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Its mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities and to reduce the incidence of learning disabilities in future generations. -
Rehabilitation Act
This landmark legislation was the United States' first major federal disability rights law. It prohibited discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance or are conducted by federal agencies. It laid the groundwork for a more inclusive society by prohibiting discrimination and promoting equal access for individuals with disabilities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children
It was a landmark U.S. law ensuring free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities. It mandated that schools provide equal access to education and individualized support for students with disabilities, including those with physical and mental impairments. The law also emphasized parent participation in the education process and the importance of educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers whenever appropriate. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas, including education. It ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to public education at all levels, from preschool to post-secondary institutions, by requiring reasonable accommodation and modifications to policies, practices, and facilities. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure students with disabilities can participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
It was first enacted in 1975, mandating special education and related services for eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Key components of IDEA are: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and Individual Education Plan (IEP).
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The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
It aimed to improve student achievement by increasing accountability for schools, particularly for disadvantaged students, and by providing parents with more choices. NCLB was a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. NCLB required states to develop academic standards in reading and math and to administer annual standardized tests in grades 3-8 and once in high school. -
The Assistive Technology Act (AT Act)
A federal law that aims to increase access to and affordability of assistive technology (AT) for people with disabilities. It reauthorizes and strengthens programs that help individuals with disabilities of all ages to obtain, use, and maintain AT devices and services. The Act emphasizes the importance of assistive technology in enabling individuals with disabilities to participate in education, employment, and daily living activities. -
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
It replaces the No Child Left Behind Act. It shifts more decision-making power to states and local school districts, allowing them to tailor education to their specific needs and contexts. It maintains the requirement for annual statewide assessments in reading, math, and science, but states have more flexibility in how they administer and interpret these assessments.