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The first special education school was the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb in Hartford, Connecticut. It started with just seven students in its first year. Back then, "dumb" meant being unable to speak. The school offered teaching in subjects like math, reading, writing, geography, history, and the Bible. -
In 1864, Gallaudet University, formerly known as the Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind, got the green light to start granting college degrees. Congress approved for Columbia to award degrees, and President Lincoln signed off on the college's enabling act. Remarkably, it became the globe's first college specifically for individuals with disabilities. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a vital national law that shields qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disabilities. It's all about ensuring that organizations and their staff can't shut out people with disabilities from getting the same chances to benefit from programs and services. -
In the case of Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that having separate schools for black and white children was unfair and against the Constitution. This important decision shows how much power the Supreme Court has in changing laws and shaping how we live together as a society.
https://youtu.be/TTGHLdr-iak?si=cRwWCq8PVXFsFWOI -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act didn't require schools to educate students with disabilities, but it did provide grants to those who created programs for them. This act gives federal funds for things like teacher training, teaching materials, supported resources, and encouraging parents to get involved in their children's education. -
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) says that students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) should be in regular classes as much as they can. This way, they get to be around other kids and have a chance to socialize. In these classrooms, you'll often find helpers or aides alongside students to give them extra support. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is all about leveling the playing field for individuals with disabilities. It ensures they're treated fairly in things like jobs, public services, places to stay, getting around, and using phones and the internet. Additionally, it also signifies that schools and daycare spots have to be accessible to everyone.
https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/ -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was created to make public education available and appropriate to all children with disabilities. Not only does it provide standards when disciplining children with disabilities it also offers mediation services to parents. It ensures special education and related services to those children in order to level the playing field. -
President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law. This legislation emphasizes that every student should achieve proficiency in math and reading. It authorizes federal education programs, which states manage. The Act mandates that states test students in reading and math from grades 3 to 8, and once during high school. -
The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 was all about boosting awareness and access to assistive technologies (AT). It aimed to make sure kids with disabilities could get their hands on the right AT tools to help them achieve their education, job opportunities, and everyday tasks independently.