History of Special Education

First Disabled Act

Jul 16, 1798

In 1798, there was a large issue regarding wages for the disabled seamen who were working. This led to an act being signed by President John Adams. This Act authorized the deduction of twenty cents per month from the wages of seamen. The Act serves for funding medical care for sick and disabled seamen. This also contributed to building additional hospitals for the treatment of seamen.

Special Education Classes

Aug 10, 1890

Across the United States children who were categorized as “at risk” with disabilities and/or lived in slums, were finally place in classes that worked on life skills. They would attend these classes instead of their gen-ed classes. They were taught such life skills like carpentry, sewing, cooking, metal work, and drawing. This took place mostly in urban school districts and this took place instead of their general education classes.

First Special Education Class

1896

This event was known as the beginning of special education. In 1896, Rhode Island opened the first public special education class. In these special education classes, all students had disabilities and were taught by special teachers. Over time, this lead to an increase of Institutions that were created to teach this population. As this event unfolded, this began the movement and awareness of students with disabilities along with special classes.

Brown V. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

During this time, segregation was still occurring in the United States. However, in 1954 education changed. Known as one of the most monumental cases in the United States, "Brown v. Board of Education" not only stopped segregation in schools, but allowed minority children equal education as white children in had in their school district.
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Supported Training

1968

After special education classrooms were created and becoming more accepted, the Federal Government began the first step in supporting the SPED field. They began training for over 30,000 special education teachers and other services for students with special needs.

Landmark Act in Special Education

1975

In 1975, Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA) was passed and played a vital part in the evolution of special education. Many people also know this act as IDEA. Not only did this pave the way for other acts like NCLB, but it protected children with disabilities. It allowed children to learn in a public-schools and equal free education.
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Revamping EHA: IDEA

1982

In 1982, a case created waves of change by requiring the EHA act to be renamed. It was then retitled as "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act". This act also was redesigned to have new changes such as special instruction and supportive services. Both were protected by law to help to disabled students access their education.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Jul 26, 1990

In 1990, President Bush signed an act that provided civil rights to protect people with disabilities. This groundbreaking act is called "Americans with Disabilities Act", also known as ADA. This fostered more supported areas of life for people with disabilities such as transportation and communication.

IDEA: Accomodations

Jan 17, 1997

While the IDEA began changing the views and world of special education, in 1997 it was amended to provide something called "accommodations" to students with disabilities within gen-ed classrooms. Prior, this law did not incorporate these students within the gen-ed setting.

Assistive Technology Act

2004

During the 2000's technology and the use of it became extremely common, both in the classroom and in daily lives. For children with disabilities, technology became needed. In 2004, the Assistive Technology Act was passed. It required states to provide AT products and programs and services to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.