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1800-1850: Early Reform Era
Between 1800-1850, the first efforts were made to educate those with disabilities. In 1817, the first school for the deaf and hard of hearing was created. In 1834, a school was created for those were blind. This created interest in learning about ways to educate those with disabilities. -
1860-1950: Stagnation and Regression
After the Industrial Revolution declined, so did the need to educate those with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities saw a regression in their opportunities for education. Most were isolated in separate classes and often were not educated. There was a push for individuals with disabilities to be institutionalized as well as sterilized often without their consent. -
1951: Institution for Research Established
In 1951, the first institution for research on exceptional children opened at the University of Illinois. This began a new focus on the field of special education. It also created a renewed interest in -
1971: PARC Case
In 1971, the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children brough a case against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PARC sued Pennsylvania arguing that the state law denying public education to children with mental disabilities was unconstitutional. This case established the right to a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities between the ages of 6 to 21. -
1973: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
In 1974, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was established. This Civil Rights law states that no one with a disability can be excluded from an activity or program that receives federal funding, that includes schools. Students with disabilities who do not qualify for special education under IDEA may qualify under Section 504. Section 504 provides accommodations as well as related services to students with disabilities. -
1975: Education of Handicapped Children Act
In 1975, the Education of Handicapped Children Act was passed. This is considered the bill of rights for individuals with disabilities and their families. This act includes components like the right to a free, appropriate public education; least restrictive environment; individual education plan; and procedural due process; YouTube -
1986: Amendment of Handicapped Children Act
1986: The Education of Handicapped Children Act was amended to include a handicapped infants and toddlers’ program. This included children birth to age 2 with disabilities or developmental delays. It mandated preschool programs for children with disabilities ages 3 to 5. -
1990: Amendment of Handicapped Children Act
In 1990, the Education of Handicapped Children Act was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Act. This amendment required that all children, starting at age 16, have a transition plan as part of their IEP. It also expended the scope of related services to and included autism and traumatic brain injury as eligibility categories. -
1997: Amendment to IDEA
In 1997, an amendment to IDEA included provisions like students with disabilities can be disciplined in similar ways to students without as long as the behavior was not a manifestation of their disability. It lowered the requirement for transition planning to 14. . It must be stated how students with disabilities will be involved in the general education curriculum and they must be included in statewide and district assessments. -
2004: Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
In 2004, IDEA was reauthorized. It aligned IDEA closely to the No Child Left Behind Act. This helped to ensure equity, accountability, and excellence in education for students with disabilities. It focuses on early intervention and research based instruction. U.S. Department of Education