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Haddonfield Training School Opens
In 1883, Margaret Bancroft opened the Haddonfield Training School. Her school was one of the first of its kind and was tailored to the specific needs of children with disabilities. She would encourage the students to practice proper hygiene, eat healthy foods, and learn new academic things.
The video attached details the impact of Bancroft, as well as the work of a foundation in her honor.
The Legacy of Margaret Bancroft -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a monumental court case for civil rights. It asserted that "separate but equal" was an unconstitutional doctrine because forced separation is inherently unequal, and therefore does not honor the 14th amendment. While it did not directly impact those with special needs, it helped develop a pathway for future laws related to special education due to its advocacy of those treated differently. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was a law that integrated the federal government's role in protecting students from struggling backgrounds. It ensured that disadvantaged students could still have access to high-quality education. This law also encouraged the creation of special education programs with the help of grants. It also influenced the later development of special education-related laws because it encouraged equal opportunities for each child of every background. -
PARC v. Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was a case that challenged the rights of children with special needs in the classroom. Prior to the case, schools were allowed to turn away children with special needs if their mental capabilties did not seem adequate enough. PARC challenged this law, and it was deemed unconstitutional in court. This case resulted in the state having to allow any children with special needs to have access to free education. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act prohibited any organizations that receive federal funding from discriminating against those with special needs. This was an impactful law because any federally funded organization, whether it was a school or workplace, had to treat those with special needs equally. This law helped shape the idea of equal opportunity for all. -
EAHCA Enacted
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act required that schools getting federal funding must include equal opportunities for those with mental and physical disabilities. It also enforced that children with special needs should be in least restrictive environments and only be in separate classrooms if absolutely necessary. This act also included a section that ensures a due process hearing if there are issues between parents of children with special needs and their respective school systems. -
ACT Organization Founded
Advocating Change Together (ACT) is an organization that helps people with special needs learn to stand up for themselves and advocate for their needs when necessary. The organization is run by and for people with special needs, and it has workshops, social activities, and monthly celebrations for its participants. The link below takes you to the ACT website to learn more. ACT Website -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) replaced EAHCA and advocated for many qualities of education for children with special needs. It reinforces the right of these children to have a free and appropriate public education. It also includes the necessity of IEP for special education students, so that they have an education tailored to their needs. IDEA also has additional due process assurances, along with noting two new disability categories: autism and traumatic brain injury. -
Cedar Rapids v. Garret F.
The Cedar Rapids v. Garret F. case was about a student who was paralyzed from the neck down but still had the same mental capabilities. Garret needed the help of a nurse as he went to his classes. The school originally did not think this was on them. However, the court ruled that IDEA asserts students must have the help they need in school at no additional cost to the family.
More info:
Cedar Rapids v Garret F -
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and enforces equal opportunities among all students, including those with special needs. It also includes provisions relating to the progress of students and how to help each person succeed. It also enforces that special education teacher must be specially trained, so that the students are getting a proper education.