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In Hartford, Connecticut 1817, Gallaudet opened the “American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb” which was the first special education school in the United States. Now it is known as “the American School for the Deaf.” Students were provided with formal instructions through the use of sign language. Even though they were educated in different classrooms, this event was the beginning of special educationin the United States. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=etwIBha0yQ0 -
The Supreme Court ruled that separating students because of their race was unconstitutional. It is true that the case was mostly focused on racial segregation; however, it opened the door for families to file lawsuits against schools for excluding children who had certain disabilities. -
Congress enabled this act to support those students who were from low-income families. Therefore, they did not have to face any kind of inequality in their schools. Over the years, the Congress enacted the “Education of the Handicapped Act.” Which encouraged educational programs for students with disabilities. -
According to this court case, any children who have any intellectual disability should be allowed in public schools without excluding them into “special classrooms.” As a consequence, it set the foundation of individualized education plans (IEPs). Also, it involved parents into the decision-making regarding their children’s education. -
The case of Mills was one of the first cases in the United States that guaranteed the protection of the right of public education for students with disabilities, no matter the severity of it. The court required that schools must provide the necessary support, which includes clear objectives, qualified teachers, and supplemental services if needed. https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/mills-v-board-education-district-columbia-1972 -
Known as the “Bill of Rights” for students with disabilities and their families. It requires that states receive federal funding to help support the education for students with disabilities. This law formally introduces the IEPs, free education in a least restrictive environment, permission from parents before any evaluation, an evaluation before placement, and periodic reevaluation. Additionally, it allowed to include children with disabilities into general classrooms in public schools settings -
This law was signed by President Reagan, which added Part H to the 1986 Education of the Handicapped Act Amendment. It established a grant program that helps the creation of a system for early intervention services. The services are provided from birth until toddler years. Early intervention services support education before children enter the school system. https://www.congress.gov/bill/99th-congress/senate-bill/2294 -
As a result of the ADA, signed by George H.W. Bush, people with disabilities are protected from any type of discrimination in schools, public spaces, and workplaces. Certainly, this legislation supports the idea that children/people with disabilities should be treated as equals. Not only that, but also it reinforced inclusion and equality in special education law by modifying test procedures, including reasonable accommodations, and integrating students with disabilities in general classrooms. -
After the NCLB was signed, 95% of the students with disabilities should be participating in statewide assessments. As a result, it increased accountability for students with disabilities. It is true that there were teachers who were against this act since it “forced” children that were not ready to take the tests. -
The NCLD is a nonprofit advocacy organization that supports students with learning and attention disabilities. The organization made partnerships with parents and teachers in order to decrease systemic barriers in schools, workplaces, and communities. As for the 2025 year, they launched scholarships for students with ADHD. https://ncld.org/scholarships-awards/ -
ESSA is a federal law that replaced NCLB while continuing to protect students with disabilities. The main focus of ESSA is accountability while promoting inclusion, accountability, equity, and flexibility. The main focus is to ensure that all students receive high academic standards so they are prepared for post secondary success. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZINwnEPhiFM