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1st American Deaf School
https://deafhistory.eu/index.php/component/zoo/item/1817-gallaudet-first-school-for-the-deaf-in-the-usa#:~:text=On%20his%20return%20to%20the,the%20Deaf%20in%20Hartford%2C%20Connecticut. Opening 1817, the American School for the deaf in West Hartford, Connecticut by Thomas Gallaudet. Inspired by the deafening of local wealthy daughter Alice Cogwell. Cogswell and nine others decided that the deaf required appropriate facilities and teachers, leading to a tour in Europe and school in Connecticut. -
Brown V Board
Four schools were argued to be inherently unequal and by extension would not provide equal protection under the laws. Although this was an event that heavily influenced the future of race in America, it also became a catalyst for special education in America. Parents of those with disabilities followed through with this event and brought their lawsuits against schools, stating that school were discriminating against their children due to disabilities. https://youtu.be/NBlqcAEv4nk -
Public Welfare v Haas
Keeping with the catalyst that was Brown v Board, students with disabilities and those who supported them were continuing to fight for their rights and protection. However, the Department of Public Welfare v Haas ruled that the state of Illinois did not need to provide free public education for those with disabilities due to the fact that they were considered feeble-minded. -
PARC vs Board of Education
In 1972, well over 18 years after Brown V Board it was ruled that students were entitled to a public free education regardless if they were disabled or not. (between the ages f 6 to 21). Furthermore to maintain equality the courses must remain similar to general education programs and courseloads. -
Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation act of 1973 essentially provided federal funds to all manners of individuals regardless of their disabilities. This was due to the fact it prohibited agencies that received and distributed said funds from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. -
Education for all Handicapped (EAHCA)
An act that provided a series of rights to students with disabilities including Nondiscriminatory testing, evaluation and placement procedures, education in the least restrictive environment, due process, and a free individualized education plan. -
IDEA Act
The IDEA act, also known as the Individuals with Disabilities Act, cleared the air when it came to the services provided to students with disabilities. Including better preparing them for adulthood int he future. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Also known as the ADA, it holds public schools and the general public accountable for providing equal opportunities to those with disabilities in both transportation and covering employment for said students. -
NCLB Act
NCLB, or the No Child Left Behind act which was passed on December 13 2001 was the government's effort to support stronger educational reforms. Requiring schools to further support disadvantaged students, including those with disabilities. It emphasized meeting a standard so it pushed for more testing, progress checks, teacher qualifications and overall changes in funding. -
IDEIA Amendment
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, an amended version of the 1990 IDEA act had begun to use a process that determines if a student would have a specific learning disability and by extension would require special education.