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National Institute for the Deaf
First school specializing in educating special needs students; was set up in Paris. Led to teaching method techniques for children for a variety of special learning needs, including sensory and motor development skils for children with mental retardation. Wood, J.W. (2006). Teaching students in inclusive settings: Adapting and accommodating instruction (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
American School for the Deaf
First primary and secondary school to receive aid from the federal government. "...this school has served as the "Mother School" in providing an exemplary model educational program; a site for teacher training and practicum; and as a springboard from which trained and experienced educators of the deaf went forth to educate and to start other schools for the deaf all over the country" http://www.asd-1817.org/page.cfm?p=358 -
President's Committee on Mental Retardation
Committe appointed by John F. Kennedy which made many recommendations that led to many new initiatives, including encouraging school systems to open their doors to students with disabilities. Wood, J.W. (2006). Teaching students in inclusive settings: Adapting and accommodating instruction (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
Creation of the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped
This bureau today is called the Office of Special Education Programs or OSEP. Educating students with disabilities is still NOT mandated by federal or state law. However, creation of the Bureau signified that a change was on the horizon. http://admin.fortschools.org/PupilServices/StaffInfo/A TIMELINE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION HISTORY.htm -
Rehabilitaion Act; Section 504
Re-authorized in 1973 to include protections for individuals with disbailities, including the right to education. "...No person with a disability could be excluded from or denied benefits of any program receiving federal financial assistance, which would include public elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools" Wood, J.W. (2006). Teaching students in inclusive settings: Adapting and accommodating instruction (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
All children are to be provided a publicly funded education. Prior to this legislation, schools did not need to accomadate children with special needs. Wood, J.W. (2006). Teaching students in inclusive settings: Adapting and accommodating instruction (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. -
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
Federal law enacted in 1990 and reauthorized in 1997 and 2004. It is designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities by ensuring that everyone receives a free and appropriate public education. With IDEA, came a greater emphasis on inclusion classrooms. There are significant differences between Section 504 and IDEA. Perhaps the most significant is that Section 504 is a civil rights law, and IDEA is an educational benefit law. http://www.help4adhd.org/en/education/rights/idea -
No Child Left Behind Act
This law calls for all students, including students with disabilities, to be proficient in math and reading by the year 2014. http://admin.fortschools.org/PupilServices/StaffInfo/A%20TIMELINE%20OF%20SPECIAL%20EDUCATION%20HISTORY.htm -
IDEA Reauthorized
There are several changes from the 1997 reauthorization. The biggest changes call for more accountability at the state and local levels, as more data on outcomes is required. Another notable change involves school districts providing adequate instruction and intervention for students to help keep them out of special education. http://admin.fortschools.org/PupilServices/StaffInfo/A%20TIMELINE%20OF%20SPECIAL%20EDUCATION%20HISTORY.htm
