History of Special Education and Inclusive Education

By genidelg
  • First American School for the Deaf

    First American School for the Deaf

    Thomas Gallaudet co-founded the first permanent school for deaf students in Hartford, Connecticut. It marked the beginning of formal special education in the U.S. and introduced American Sign Language into education.
  • Founding of The ARC

    Founding of The ARC

    The ARC was founded by parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to advocate for inclusive education and support. It remains a major national organization today.
  • Brown V. Board of Education

    Brown V. Board of Education

    This landmark case declared racial segregation in schools unconstitutional. Though not specific to disabilities, it laid the legal foundation for future inclusion cases, showing that “separate but equal” is inherently unequal.
  • Opening of Gallaudet University

    Opening of Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. became the first higher education institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. It remains a center for deaf culture and advocacy.
  • PARC V. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    PARC V. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    This court case established that children with intellectual disabilities have a right to free public education. It was a key moment in pushing public schools toward inclusion and ending educational exclusion.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Section 504 prohibited discrimination based on disability in any program receiving federal funds. It was a major step in ensuring accommodations and access for students in general education settings.
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  • Education of Handicapped Act

    Education of Handicapped Act

    This federal law guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, leading to the birth of individualized education programs (IEPs) and protections for families.
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  • Americans with Disabilities Act

    Americans with Disabilities Act

    The ADA expanded civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities, including access to public education, facilities, and services. It reinforced equal opportunity and accessibility in schools.
  • IDEA Reauthorization

    IDEA Reauthorization

    This update to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act emphasized inclusion and access to the general curriculum. It required schools to include students with disabilities in state and district assessments.
  • Response to Intervention (RTI) Model Introduced

    Response to Intervention (RTI) Model Introduced

    RTI became a proactive framework for identifying and supporting students with learning needs. It allowed for early intervention in general classrooms before referring students for special education services.