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Sign Language Developed and Taught
Sign language is developed to allow communication for and with children and adults with hearing impairments. This was the first time special training was developed for people with disabilities. (Wood, 2006). -
First Special Education School Established
“The National Institute for the Deaf, the first special education school, was established in Paris” (Wood, 2006). -
Teaching System Developed for Children with Mental Retardation
“Edouard Sequin developed a teaching system focused on children with mental retardation that emphasized sensory and motor development" (Wood, 2006). -
Intelligence Testing Determines Special Education
Early 20th Century: Intelligence testing is highly used and/or misused (Wood, 2006). -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka changes Special Education Dramatically
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a civil rights case regarding desegregation, caused major changes in special education, the Chief Justice proclaiming that “education is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms” (including those with disbilities) (Wood, 2006). This case started the path that led to many more changes and improvements in the legislation for disabled individuals. -
Rehabilitation Act Amendment (PL 93-112) passed
Rehabilitation Act Amendment (PL 93-112) passed. This Act’s Section 504 was the first civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities, including the right to education and the guarantee of benefits of any federally funded program, such as many public schools. Section 504 was, however, limited (Wood, 2006). -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA, PL 94-142) Passed
Congress passes Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA, PL 94-142). This act mandated that children with disabilities (ages 3 – 21) have access to public education where free special education be given to meet their individual needs. Also, if eligible, various related services would be offered. FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), meaning special education and related services are paid for by the public, meet the standards of the SEA, and individual IEPs are created -
EAHCA (a.k.a. IDEA) implements Early Intervention Program
1986: Change to EAHCA (now called IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act): Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. This change was "to assist states in developing and implementing a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multi-disciplinary, interagency system that makes early intervention services available to all children with disabilities from birth to age 3" to hopefully reverse developmental delays (Wood, 2006). -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed
1990: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) extended the nondiscrimination protections under Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act to other areas of society (Wood, 2006). This includes prohibiting discrimination and allowing accessibility in the workplace, public transportation, and public buildings. For schools, buildings must be handicapped accessible to meet all students’ needs. ADA requires services be delivered to individuals in need in the most integrated setting appropriate (Wood, 2006). -
NCLB Act Includes Special Education Students in General Assessments
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act passed, making “new requirements for states to develop standards for grades 3 through 8 and high school in key academic areas—[…]—and implement annual assessments” (Wood, 2006). These assessments are to include students receiving special education with the general education students so as to reinforce inclusion (Wood, 2006).
