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ASD Founded
In 1817, the still active American School for the Deaf, formally known as The American Asylum was founded. It remains an enduring institution dedicated to providing quality education and support for deaf and hard of hearing students. In 2016, ASD broadened its program to support deaf, hard of hearing, and non-verbal autistic students with essential educational services.
https://www.asd-1817.org -
Columbia Institution Founded
In 1857, the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind opened its doors in Washington, DC. They offered primary education and moral training to the students in the DC area who were afflicted with blindness, the inability to speak, and deafness. This institution marked a significant step in establishing specialized educational opportunities for individuals with sensory disabilities.
https://www.newrivernotes.com/history-columbia-institution-deaf-and-dumb/ -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), founded in 1922, is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the education and support of individuals with exceptionalities. They provide resources, advocacy, and professional development opportunities to educators promoting inclusive practices and improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities. CEC's mission fosters collaboration and innovation to ensure that individuals with exceptionalities have access to high-quality education. -
Education Act (ESEA)
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, signed into law in 1965, aims to provide support and initiatives specifically targeted at assisting low-income families and children in achieving success within the public school system. This landmark legislation has played a crucial role in addressing educational disparities and ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. -
Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act, established in 1973, prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors. Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Rehabilitation Act plays a vital role in promoting equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. -
Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
In 1975, the United States Congress enacted the Individuals with Education for All Handicapped Children Act which legally established the right of all American children to receive public education regardless of their disability status. This law mandated that public schools receiving federal funds provide meeting the needs of students with disabilities at no cost to the families. Before IDEA, many students with disabilities lacked access to education and were often institutionalized. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. It emphasized the importance of providing accommodations and accessibility in educational settings to promote inclusion and equal opportunities for students with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation and accessibility. -
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
In 1990, the reauthorization of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It was a pivotal step towards ensuring holistic education for children with disabilities. IDEA's expansion focused on personalized education plans (IEPs), inclusivity in schools, and collaborative efforts among families, educators, and communities.
https://youtu.be/66g6TbJbs2g?si=wkzfIfpoCgvJ_7w_ -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002, aimed to improve educational outcomes by setting standards for student performance and accountability for schools. It emphasized the importance of closing achievement gaps and ensuring that all students, regardless of background, receive a quality education. NCLB required regular standardized testing to measure student progress and school performance. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 replaced NCLB, emphasizing state and local accountability while supporting the academic success of all students, including those with disabilities. ESSA promotes a well-rounded education, professional development for teachers, and evidence-based strategies to improve teaching quality and student outcomes, fostering equity and inclusivity in education policy.
https://www.ed.gov/essa?src=rn