-
American School for the Deaf
The American School for the Deaf was the first school in the western hemisphere that was for children with disabilities specifically. It was modeled after a school for the deaf in Paris that the founder went to and wanted to recreate here in the States for his daughter. The school provided training for teachers so they could go and open other schools across the nation. The American School for the Deaf is still open today and serves children from three to twenty-one. -
Mandatory Compulsory Education
A law was passed in Rhode Island that mandated compulsory education for all children. The law defined compulsory education as education that children are required to receive, and the government must provide it. This law paved the pathway for public schools to be created and parents to show that education is something that their child is required to have. -
Columbia Institution
The Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind was the first college in the world that was created for people with disabilities. This college was also given permission to grant college degrees to its students by the US Congress. The school is now called Gallaudet University. -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was the first advocacy group for children with disabilities. Today CEC is one of the biggest special education advocacy groups and works hard to ensure that children with disabilities are receiving FAPE. -
Cuyahoga Council for Retarded Citizens
A parental advocacy group protested that their children with mental disabilities were excluded from the public schools in Cuyahoga, Ohio. This protest led to a class being created for those students. -
Classification of Autism
Dr. Leo Lanner of John Hopkins University published the first description of what he called early infantile autism. He described it as a neurodevelopmental disorder and that the children with are unable to provide contact with other people. His description also talked about the role of the parent’s behavior which has helped us now realizing the role genetics can play with autism. -
National Association for Retard Citizens
The National Association for Retard Citizens (NARC) was formed from twenty-three other advocacy groups that all had the same beliefs. NARC played crucial roles during the passing of IDEA by helping with litigation and ensuring all parts of the judicial process were followed. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This court case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson case. Plessy v. Ferguson was not directly related to education, but it did set the idea of separate but equal. Brown v. Board of Education did relate to education since it brought attention to children with disabilities vs. typically developing students. This case encouraged the formation of many advocacy groups. Video Reviewing Case -
Section 504
This considered being the first law that provides protection for students with disabilities. Section 504 comes from the Rehabilitation Act and gives protection from discrimination of students with disabilities. Section 504 introduces FAPE and LRE. It also states that students are eligible whether they have a physical or mental disability as long as it inhibits their educational experience. -
Handicapped Children's Protection Act
This act gave parents the right to be more involved in the creation of their child’s IEP. It also stated that children from three to five have the right to receive FAPE. This act also presents early intervention which provided services to children from zero to three. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This act gives people with disabilities the same rights as their typically developing peers in school and work. It also said that people with disabilities cannot be discriminated against at school, work, and public places. This is is also the act that required businesses to have wheelchair ramps and other things to make the business available to everyone. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA is one of the most important laws when it comes to special education since it ensures that every child is receiving FAPE, special education, and related services. It also covers that children from zero to two should receive early intervention services. More Information