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1st School for Children with Disabilities
The American School for the Deaf, initially called the Connecticut Asylum at Hartford for the Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons, was founded in 1817 by Laurent Clerc and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. The inspiration for this school started in 1814 with Gallaudet's neighbor's deaf daughter Alice. She became one of the first seven students to attend the school in 1817.
https://todayincthistory.com/2020/04/15/april-15-american-school-for-the-deaf-founded-in-hartford/ -
Gallaudet University
This university was founded in 1864 by Edward Miner Gallaudet (son of one of the founders of the American School for the Deaf) and Amos Kendall. It was founded through an Act of Congress which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. It is the world's only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing students. -
Beattie vs. Board of Education
This case was about a student that had a disability that caused him to have involuntary facial contortions, drool, and have speech problems. His disability did not affect his intellectual ability, it only affected him physically. He was expelled from the school because his condition sickened the other students and teachers. After going to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the court ruled that school officials can exclude students with disabilities. They even suggested he go to a deaf school. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
This organization was founded in 1922 by Elizabeth E. Farrell who was the president of CEC from 1922 to 1926. CEC was first created by a group of educators and faculty members that attended a summer session at the Teachers College in Columbia University. CEC was created for people/educators that want to improve the success of students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. They advocate for appropriate policies, standards, and development for teachers and students. (It is still operating.) -
The Arc of the United States (The Arc)
This organization was founded in 1950. This organization started after many parents decided they didn't want to institutionalize their children with intellectual/developmental disabilities. They wanted their children to experience equal opportunities, to pursue fulfillment, and to be happy. It has advocated for the passing of legislations concerning people with disabilities. This organization has grown nationally and has over 700 chapters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBHq0X_J4ak -
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)
This was the first law passed that protected people with disabilities in the U.S. What this act does is prohibit discrimination against students with disabilities not only in public education, but also in the work setting and social and health services. This allows students with disabilities to have better access to opportunities in the workplace, colleges/universities, and community services.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/rehabilitation-act-section-504-accommodations-regulations.html -
Educational Amendments Act (Public Law 93-380)
The amendments are amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). They granted states federal funds when they program for exceptional learners, gifted, and talented students. It also grants students and families the right of fair treatment in special education placement.
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED115005 -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) (Public Law 93-142, Part B)
This act was known as the Mainstreaming Law, meaning it was the least restrictive environment law. This required states to provide children with disabilities, from the age of 5 to 18, free and appropriate public education. All children will have the opportunity to have an education. This law also requires individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities to have a successful education experience. -
Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Public Law 101-476)
This act was established in 1990 and replaced the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) from 1975. This act established how people with disabilities have the right to have accommodations and equal opportunities to succeed in general settings. This act includes services like social work, rehabilitation services and assistive technology. It also includes transition programs that allow students with disabilities to have a smooth transition to the working environment. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a federal law that was established in 1990. It prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities in private and public areas. It gives equal opportunities to people with disabilities. These opportunities include the right to accommodations, public services, transportation, telecommunications, and employment. This act applies everywhere, from schools to restaurants, workplaces, and the public.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aiFVhXSvgc -
IDEA (Public Law 105-17)
This act requires all students to continue receiving services even if they are expelled. This also requires general education teachers to be part of the IEP (Individualized Education Program) and that the general education curriculum be accessible for students with disabilities. This act also allows special education teachers to assist general education teachers when working in mainstream classrooms. Parents and educators are given the option of mediation to resolve differences. -
Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
This federal law was signed in 2004. It emphasized reading, early intervention, and raised the standards for special education teachers in order for them to be highly qualified. It also allowed districts to use response-to-Intervention (RTI). RTI requires screenings for early identification and support for students that may have learning and behavior needs. This law also prevents the unequal representation of students in special education by race and ethnicity. All are equal.