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In the early 1800's, special education programs were designed to prevent students from delinquency, catered mostly to those who grew up in the urban slums. In 1817, known as the intro or beginning to special education programs, the American School for the Deaf was found. This early approach to schools for the disabled opened the door for the first Special Education School to be opened. -
In the 1850's, Dr. Samuel Howe opened the "Massachusetts School for Idiotic and Feeble Minded Youth". This boarding school was designed as an experiment school for those with intellectual disabilities. This establishment marked the beginning of organized efforts and the road to education for those with disabilities. -
The 1954 Supreme Court Ruling of "Brown Vs. Board of Education" concluded that segregation in the public school system was unconstitutional. Though the ruling focused more on race, the case lead parents of those with disabilities to fight against their school districts for segregation of their children with disabilities. Brown vs. Board of Education became a foundational element for future disability rights cases. -
The 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act was created to reduce inequality in education by providing funding to schools that serve low income families and students with disabilities. Though it did not specifically target students with disabilities, it helped to establish the government's role in supporting equal access to education. This act was later revised to the "Education of the Handicap" in 1970. -
In 1972, the case of PARC vs. Pennsylvania affirmed that children with intellectual disabilities have the right to a free public education. This concluded that no students could be excluded from public schools due to their disabilities. This emphasized education in the least restrictive environment when possible. -
In 1972, the Mills vs. Board of Education act expanded on educational rights for children with disabilities, which included severity. This concluded that no matter the severity of the disability, each student was still granted the right to a free public education. This case reinforced inclusion as a legal expectation and not a privilege. -
In 1973, Section 504 was the first federal civil rights law that protected individuals with disabilities from discrimination. This would apply to any program that received federal funding, public schools included. Schools must provide accommodations that ensured equal access to education. This law strongly supports inclusion in the general education class setting. -
In 1975, a law known as the EAHAC, Education for All Handicapped Children Act, guaranteed a FAPE, Free Appropriate Public Education, to children with disabilities. This lead the way to the concept of the LRE, Least Restrictive Environment, promoting education alongside nondisabled peers in the general education setting. This law became the foundation of the modern special education law and required the use of IEPs, Individualized Education Programs. -
In 1990, The Individuals with Disabilities Act, IDEA, renamed and expanded EAHCA while it strengthened protections for students with disabilities. This act emphasized inclusion and parent involvement. Students were guaranteed access to the general education curriculum when deemed appropriate. Relevant video: https://youtu.be/66g6TbJbs2g?si=p-ekkKBuoRPAM-Kx -
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, was created as a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It ensures access to employment, transportation and education. Educational settings support this act via inclusion by requiring accessibility and reasonable accommodations. The ADA extended inclusion beyond the walls of education and into other areas of life. Further and relevant information: https://adata.org/factsheet/ADA-overview -
In 2004, IDEA was reamended and now IDEA 2004 and aligned special education with federal accountability standards. This law strengthened progress monitoring and parental rights. IDEA 2004 emphasized evidence based instruction and highly qualified teachers. -
In 2015, what was formerly known as the "No Child Left Behind Act", was replaced with ESSA, Every Student Succeeds Act. It maintained accountability for all students with disabilities. It required states to track academic progress and graduation rates for the population. This law enforced inclusive practices by holding schools accountable for all learners. ESSA supports equal access to high quality education.