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1817: American School for the Deaf
Founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet in Harford, Connecticut, the American School for the Deaf marked the beginning of formal special education in the country. It marked a transition in society with increased awareness and advocacy for the rights and needs for deaf individuals, eventually leading to increased accessibility and inclusion for supportive educational practices among handicapped individuals.
https://www.asd-1817.org/ -
1918- Smith- Sears Act/ Soldier's Rehabilitation Act
This law provided services for injured soldiers after WWI and aided their return to civilian life. Being one of the first federal laws to provide rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities; it marked a significant change in the recognition for the need of specialized services to help disabled individuals and the development of future legislations.
https://accesspress.org/history-note-smith-sears-act-helped-open-the-door-to-work-for-disabled-veterans/ -
1922- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Organized by a group of educators, CEC is dedicated to advancing education and support of children with exceptionalities. CEC works with lawmakers and other stakeholders to influence special education policies at all levels to promote equitable access to education for all. Additional development of standards and support for research and best practices is promoted to help improve the quality of education for students with disabilities and gifted students. -
1954- Brown V. Board of Education
A landmark supreme court decision, declared the racial segregation in all nationwide public schools to be unconstitutional and overturned the earlier "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896. This case specifically addressed racial segregation and laid the groundwork for equal, inclusive educational opportunities for all. This principle of equality and non-discrimination eventually contributed to the development of special education laws. -
1965- Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Provided federal funding to directly improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. Although not primarily focused on students with diverse needs, it provided early support and built the framework for federal funding and support in (special) education and equity. This act works in conjunction with later acts like IDEA and FAPE, directly addressing special education needs. -
1971- PARC v. Pennsylvania
This landmark case was filed by the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) to challenge the state's practices. The ruling of this case established that all children with disabilities have a constitutional right to a free and appropriate public education, affirming education as the right for all. Highlighting inadequacies in the education system, this case was the precedent for IDEA act and advocated for future policies to ensure an inclusive educational environment for all. -
1975- The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
This was the FIRST federal law that required public schools to proved free and quality education to children with disabilities. This law set greatly influential impacts with further expansions of FAPE, least restrictive environments (LRE, to have students with disabilities to be in general education classrooms whenever possible), IEPs, etc. which emphasized children with disabilities to have access and be accommodated to educational opportunities. -
1990- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This act was renamed and reauthorized from EAHCA act in 1975 with other reauthorizations in 1997, 2004, and 2015 with expansions and refinements. This reauthorization introduced several changes to the original law with name changes, additional categories and provisions for transition planning for students transiting between primary, (post)secondary, etc. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) were introduced to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities in general education settings. -
1990- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This legislation aims to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all public environments. This act complements with the future IDEA act to address accessibility and discrimination faced by students and ensured that educational institutions must prove equal access and accommodations for students with disabilities. Further information can be found in the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmIL4Wwim0k -
2002- No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
This act was a reauthorization of the ESEA act, aiming to improve educational outcomes for all students by enhancing flexibility, accountability, and emphasizing the use of research-based practices. Resulting in greater involvement and inclusion of students with disabilities in school settings and broadened their participation in the classroom and assessments. -
2015- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
This act replaced the NCLB act and emphasized state and local control over federal involvement. Provisions for students with disabilities was maintained with additional promotions for inclusive practices and academic progress. This act allowed for state and local flexibility with increased focus on equity and development of school improvement plans. Additional support for Title 1 funding and early childhood education is supported. https://www.nysed.gov/video/essa-informational-video