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History of Special Education

  • 1817- First American school for the deaf

    1817- First American school for the deaf

    The First American School for the Deaf was first founded in Hartford, Connecticut by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. This was the first school in the United States dedicated to educate students with disabilities.
  • 1848 Perkins School for the Blind

    1848 Perkins School for the Blind

    The Perkins school for the Blind was established in Massachusetts to educate students who were blind or visually impaired.
  • 1954 Brown V Board of Education

    1954 Brown V Board of Education

    The supreme court ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional in Brown v board of education. Although the case focused on race it then later influenced disability rights by supporting equal rights.
  • 1965 Elementary and secondary education act

    1965 Elementary and secondary education act

    The ESEA provided federal funding to improve education for kids that were not as advantaged as others. This law later included funding and support for students with disabilities.
  • 1973 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    1973 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Section 504 was the first federal civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities. It stopped discrimination in schools receiving federal funding. This law required schools to provide accommodations.
  • 1975- Education for handicapped children

    1975- Education for handicapped children

    This law specifically was guaranteed a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities., it required individualized education programs. This act was a major step toward including students with disabilities in general education classrooms.
  • 1990 Americans with disabilities act

    1990 Americans with disabilities act

    The Americans with disabilities Act protected individuals with disabilities from discrimination in schoolsk, workplaces, and public spaces. It reinforced equal access and accommodations.
  • 2001- no child left behind act

    2001- no child left behind act

    No child left behind increased accountability for student achievement, including students with disabilities. Schools were required to include these students in assessments. This law highlighted the importance to the general education curriculum.
  • 2004 Individuals with disabilities education improvement act

    2004 Individuals with disabilities education improvement act

    This act is aligned with special education with federal education standards. It emphasized evidence based practices, accountability, and improved teacher qualifications.
  • 2015- every student succeeds Act

    2015- every student succeeds Act

    ESSA replaced no child left behind and continued the focus on accountability for all students. It emphasized high expectations and inclusion for students with disabilities.