History of Special Education

SPED Asylum for the Deaf

Apr 15, 1817

Special Education American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb. Identified as the first special education school in America was established in Hartford, Connecticut on April 15, 1817. Founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet for deaf-mute individuals. Instruction was provided in sign in multiple subject areas and biblical beliefs. School ran on private charity but overtime funds were allocated by state legislative and eventually became adopted by other states to do the same.

American Assoc. of MD

Mar 16, 1876

The American Association on Mental Deficiency, now Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, was created to advocate and protect handicapped people’s rights. The association is the oldest interdisciplinary organization of professionals and citizens concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their purpose is to research intellectual disabilities, increase awareness, and support families.https://www.aaidd.org/home

Leo Kanner Classifies Autism

Feb 12, 1943

Leo Kanner was an American child psychiatrist that published a paper about 11 children that were highly intelligent but displayed a desire for aloneness and obsessive insistence on sameness. He viewed the condition as a profound emotional disturbance He later named the condition early infantile autism.

Brown v. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

The case declared separate facilities for student of difference races were inherently unequal and racial segregation was ruled as a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution. By combating racial inequality this provided a way for student with disabilities to receive equal access in school later on.

Mills vs B.O.E.

Aug 1, 1972

Students with behavioral needs, emotionally disturbed and hyperactive had been excluded from school or denied educational services. If there were not enough funds available to provide all of the needed programming, then the board had to do its best to provide a way as to ensure that no child was denied the opportunity to benefit from a public-school education. It was determined that schools must provide supplemental services needed for children to attend school at no cost to the parent.

Section 504 of The Rehab. Act

Sep 26, 1973

First disability civil rights law to be enacts in the United States. Explicitly prohibits discrimination against students and adults with disabilities. Prohibits exclusion of student with disabilities from public programs that receive federal financial assistance such as public schools. Students with disabilities have right to reasonable accommodations.

Public Law 94-142

Nov 29, 1975

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, PL 94-142, required all states that accepted money from the federal government would be required to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities. Public schools were required to evaluate students for disabilities, create individualized education plans and provide education in the least restrictive environment.

Individuals with Disabilities Act

Jun 4, 1997

The Education for All Handicapped Children’s Act became the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act created to ensure students with disabilities are given free appropriate public education and that their rights are protected. Special education and related services are to be provided to meet the students’ needs to access their free appropriate public education. Emphasized the all student would have access to the same curriculum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66g6TbJbs2g

I.D.E.A. Reauthorized

Dec 3, 2004

Congress amended IDEA to ensure instructors who teach special education were highly qualified. Included parent involvement and addressed early intervention for students, greater accountability and improved educational outcomes. It also provided standards when disciplining students with disabilities.

Every Student Succeeds Act

Dec 15, 2015

Provided more flexibility to states in education and transparency for parents of expectations. States are required to provide parents with scores for standards of their students in the subject areas of reading, math, and science. States are required to report the money spent per student, or per pupil expenditure. Provides funds for career and technical education and funds for transportation to higher performing schools.