History of Special Ed & Inclusive Ed

First American School for Deaf

Apr 15, 1817

The American Asylum at Hartford for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb was known as the first school for special education in America. The school included students ranging from 10 to 50 years old individuals. The term "dumb" was referred to being unable to speak.

Special Olympics

1963

https://youtu.be/D5HcAlgdJss
What started as a backyard summer camp became a global movement in 1963. Eunice K. Shriver realized who unfairly individuals with intellectual disabilities were being treated in and out of sports, so she decided to create these Olympic games. Just recently in July 2016, Special Olympics has reached more than 5.3 million individuals with disabilities.

Rehabilitation Act

Jan 1, 1973

Section 504: A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination for individuals with disabilities. Works closely with ADA and IDEA to protect children and adults from exclusion in elementary and secondary schools and jobs.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act

May 16, 1975

A federal, public law known as EAH. It is vital to supply education to infants with disabilities. Schools are required to evaluate individuals with physical and mental disabilities in order to provide the highest level of education alongside a parent present. It has been renamed as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Learn Disabilities Found. of America

1979

Foundation created to develop to research and education regarding the realization of support individuals with disabilities need. A tax-exempt public charity used to support literary and educational services for children and adults. Allows access to grants for projects and activities directed to the development of treatment and tools to help the needy.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Jan 17, 1997

https://www.understood.org/articles/en/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea-what-you-need-to-know
Also known as IDEA, the nation's special education law. Individuals with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) until the age of 21 or the completion of high school graduation. This act also includes the least restrictive environment (LRE) so students are able to learn in a group setting.

No Child Left Behind

2001

A law signed by former President George W. Bush and had a focus to provide more education to students in poverty, of color, and receiving special education services. It held schools accountable for the quality of education through testing, reporting, and improvement targets. Just recently, it got improved and replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015.

Every Student Succeeds Act

Dec 10, 2015

The objective is to provide an equal opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged individuals throughout the grade levels K-12. Unique to each state, an education plan is created to provide the best education and meet several standards. ESSA includes funding for literacy programs and grants.

Magical Bridge Foundation

2016

https://youtu.be/4DS6h5JytH8
Created an all-inclusive socially acceptable playground for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Originally created for two individuals with and without disabilities to allow them to play together outdoors.