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The First Special Education School
The first special education school in the U.S. opened its doors on April 15, 1817. It was called the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, but now it is called the American School for the Deaf. This school was established in Hartford, Connecticut. -
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that "separate but equal" education was unconstitutional and unequal. The ruling of this case protected the rights of people with disabilities and allowed for them to attend and benefit from free public education. This case paved the way for future legislation for people with disabilities. https://tinyurl.com/2p9ewdcy
This website goes into explicit detail about every aspect of the case, including related cases from 1952 and the outcome of the case. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was targeted at providing disadvantaged students with resources such as free and reduced lunch. This allowed for a child's basic needs to be met to fully benefit from the instructional programs provided. -
The Education For All Handicapped Children Act
The Education For All Handicapped Children Act ensured every student, regardless of disability status, receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This was the first time students with learning disabilities were identified as needing special education. Least Restive Environments (LRE) are defined in this act, as students with disabilities are to be taught in a general education classroom with peers of the same age. -
Honig v. Doe
In this case, the court ruled that schools could not expel or punish any student for behaviors related to their disability. This ruling benefitted people with emotional or behavioral disorders. The district court granted the student's request to return to their schools.
https://youtu.be/wI1uZ4ECnv8
This is a brief YouTube video I found that went into a little bit more detail about who the students were in the Honig V. Doe case. The video also explains the outcome of the case. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector. This law protects equal opportunity for employment and public services. These public services include accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. This law also identifies AIDS as a disability. -
Cedar Rapids v. Garret F.
The court ruling was made that any student requiring supplemental services receive these services, at no extra cost to the parents and families. The services provided should be to assist the success of the student, as it relates to their education. This decision was made under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), formerly the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), was designed to ensure all students with disabilities obtain an appropriate education with special services. It consists of 6 principles including a least restrictive environment (LRE) which consists of educating students with disabilities in a general education classroom, with services as needed. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a commitment to equal opportunities for all students. This Act replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2002. The ESSA includes many of the components of the NCLB but adds more opportunities for schools when students are not progressing enough.
