History of Special Education and Inclusive Education

First Special Education School

1817

In 1817, the first school for special education in the United Sates was created. Founded in Hartford, Connecticut. only 7 students were enrolled in the first year. Back then the name of the school was " The American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb" and is now called "The American School for the Deaf."

Beattie v. Board of Education

1919

This case took placed in Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1919. It talks about how a student with disability should be excluded from school if it is an interruption for the teacher and an obstacle for the learning environment. They were separated from the students that did not present a disability and were put in classrooms with only students with disabilities.

Brown v. Board of Education

1954

In 1954 the U.S Supreme Court ruled that "separate is not equal." This case marked an important turning point in the history of education. It fought for equal rights in education. Students should not be denied education and separated from other students because of their race or disability.

Section 504

1973

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was designed to protect students with disabilities. Section 504 states that ""No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . ."
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EAHCA

1975

Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 required all schools that received federal funding to provide appropriate services for children with disabilities. this acts also required schools to provide one free meal a day for students with physical and mental disabilities. Students' education must incorporate specially designed instructions, related services, and supplementary aids and services.

ADA

1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990. this acts prohibits the discrimination for individuals with disabilities in all areas such as school, jobs, public places, etc. This act makes sure that people with disabilities are having the same rights and opportunity like everyone else.
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IDEA

1990

EAHCA was renamed in 1990 for Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). This act protects the rights of education for students with disabilities. The six Core Principles of IDEA are:
1. Zero Reject
2. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
3. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
4. Nondiscriminatory Evaluation
5. Parent and Family Rights to Confidentiality
6. Procedural Safeguards

AT ACT

2004

Assistive Technology Act was passed in 2004. This act provides technology for people with disabilities. This helps them participate more in education, activities, and jobs. This technology includes low, medium, and high tech such as: magnifiers, Braille displays, talking devices, etc.