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Inspired by Alice, the deaf daughter of Dr. Mason Fitch Cogswell, Thomas Gallaudet underwent a pursuit to research effective educational practices related to teaching deaf students. With the collaboration of Laurent Clerc, Gallaudet established the first school for the deaf in the United States. Resource:
https://www.asd-1817.org/about/history--cogswell-heritage-house -
Founded by Dr. John Fisher, the Perkins School for the Blind was the first school in the United that exclusively taught blind students. Helen Keller was one of the notable alumni of the Perkins School for the blind. Taught by Anne Sullivan, Keller learned sign language and how to read braille. Resource:
https://www.perkins.org/helen-keller-faq/ -
In 1864 Gallaudet College was established to provide students that were deaf, mute and blind with an appropriate education. In honor of Thomas Gallaudet, the school was renamed to Gallaudet College in 1893. Resource:
https://gallaudet.edu/museum/exhibits/history-through-deaf-eyes/formation-of-a-community/lincoln-signs-act-of-congress-to-authorize-columbia-institution-for-the-deaf-and-dumb-and-the-blind-to-confer-degrees/ -
Since its establishment in 1922, the Council for Exceptional Children aims to uphold a high level of standards and practices as it relates to special education as its own profession. The CEC also provides training resources, standards and advocacy information to professionals in the field of special education. Resource:
https://exceptionalchildren.org/standards/history -
The Lanterman Act of California ensures that all individuals with developmental disabilities are afforded the same rights as other people. This act operates by assigning a regional non-profit agencies to oversee and ensure the fair treatment of individuals with the disabilities. Resource:
https://rula.disabilityrightsca.org/rula-book/chapter-1-the-lanterman-act/1-3-how-does-the-lanterman-act-serve-and-protect-the-rights-of-people-with-developmental-disabilities/ -
The Rehabilitation Act, enacted in 1973, aims to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination from qualifying or participating in federal programs. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act is geared towards ensuring that students with disabilities receive the accommodations needed to succeed in school. Resources:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/civil-rights-center/statutes/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aL8Vpuntm4 -
In 1975, the Education for all Handicapped Children Act was enacted and served to ensure children with disabilities were afforded appropriate education and countered discrimination. The act also improved the conditions of regular schools to provide education to students with disabilities, reducing the number of students that were placed in special schools. In 1990, the act was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Resource:
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/IDEA-History -
Influenced by the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Act, mainstreaming students with disabilities became popularized in the 1980’s. Mainstreaming meant that students with disabilities were placed in general education classes and not in “special classes” as they did before. Although placed in general education, students that required accommodations are still afforded what they need to succeed in school. Resource:
https://www.calstatela.edu/coe/cats/mainstreaming -
The Americans with Disabilities Act was singed into office in 1990 and provides civil rights to individuals with disabilities. The act prohibits discrimination of disabled individuals not only in education, but in all aspects of life. The enactment of the ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities have the same educational, professional, and lifestyle opportunities as those that are not disabled. Resources:
https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/ -
In 2015 President Obama signed into action the Every Student Succeeds Act. This act was a redesign of the No Child Left Behind Act enacted by President Bush in 2002. Both Acts, however, stipulated that the performance of students with disabilities on state exams should be included as a component of the district and schools’ accountability metrics. Resource:
https://www.everystudentsucceedsact.org/