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The First American School for the Deaf opened in Hartford, Connecticut. It was founded by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. This school was important because it was the first formal school in the U.S. created specifically for students with disabilities. https://www.asd-1817.org/ -
The Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts. It provided education to students who were blind at a time when few schools accepted them. This school helped show that students with disabilities could learn when given the proper support. -
The Supreme Court ruled that separate schools are not equal. Although this case focused on race, it later helped support the idea that separating students with disabilities was also unfair. This case helped influence future special education laws about inclusion. -
ESEA provided federal funding to help students who struggled in school. This included students with disabilities and students from low income families. The law helped schools begin offering more support services. -
Section 504 made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. Schools receiving federal funding had to provide accommodations. This law helped students with disabilities access general education classrooms. https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/504/?utm_source= -
This law required public school to educate students with disabilities. It introduced the idea of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This law strongly supported inclusion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4Xzvafi-Pg -
EAHCA was renamed IDEA in 1990. IDEA strengthened student rights and added transition services. It continued to require education in the least restrictive environment whenever possible. -
These changes required students with disabilities to be involved in the general education curriculum. Teachers had to include them in state testing when appropriate. This helped increase inclusion in regular classrooms. -
IDEA was updated to align with No Child Left Behind. It focused on accountability and evidence based instruction. Special education teachers and general education teachers were encouraged to work together. -
ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind. It continued protections for students with disabilities and focused on inclusive practices. Schools were required to monitor progress for all students.