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First School for Special Education
The first school for special education in America was called "The American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb", but is now called "The American School for the Deaf". It was first established by Gallaudet in Hartford, Connecticut. The classes offered in this school were initially established for immigrant students who were not well in speaking English and for students who had behavioral disorders. -
Council for Exceptional Children
The CEC was first organized by a group of educators attending the Teachers College at Columbia University. The council was founded by Elizabeth E. Farrell and it began with 12 members. Elizabeth was the president of this council from 1922-1926. The field of special education was the fundamental aim of the CEC. -
Elementary and Second Education Act
The ESEA was signed into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. He believed that full educational opportunity should be the nations first goal. ESEA was a civil rights law. It offered federal grants to districts with low-income students to provide them with things such as textbooks and library books. It also provided funding for special education centers. https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/programs/education/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-of-1965/ -
Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies as well as federal employment. Requirements of the act are reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities, program accessibility, and effecting communication with people who have hearing or vision disabilities. Section 504 of the act provided opportunities for children and adults with disabilities in education and employment. -
Public Law 94–142 (EAHCA)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) is a federal law the requires public schools to provide an appropriate educational service to all children with disabilities between the ages of 3 to 21. It required that all public schools that accepted federal funds from the government to provide equal access and education to children with physical and mental disabilities. https://youtu.be/3XMndYNEGFA -
Individual Education Plan
The Individual Education Plan, also known as IEP, is a plan/program developed to ensure that a child with a disability that is attending an elementary or secondary education school, receives specialized instruction and services. The plan/program is created by the child's parent and district personnel who are very knowledgeable on the child's needs. An IEP typically includes the involvement/progress of the child in the general curriculum as well as related services the child qualifies for. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA)
IDEA ensures students with disabilities are provided with free appropriate education that is tailored to their own individual needs. This act also ensues that children with disabilities are prepared for employment and individual living in the future. IDEA has four important parts to the act: general provisions (Part A), special education services (Part B), early intervention services (Part C), and national activities to improve education of children with disabilities (Part D). -
No Child Left Behind Act
NCLB was an Act of Congress that reauthorized the Elementary and Second Education Act. This act authorizes several federal education programs administered by the United States. The major focus being to close educational/achievement gaps by providing each child with a fair and equal opportunity to gain a high-quality education. The U.S. Department of Education emphasizes four pillars within the bill: accountability, flexibility, research based education, and parent options. -
Assistive Technology Act
The Assistive Technology Act (ATA) defined an assistive technology device as an item, piece of equipment, or product system that is acquired commercially whether it be off the shelf, modified, or custom made that is used to increase, maintain, or improve capabilities of individuals with disabilities. The goal of this act is to provide assistance to people with disabilities so that they can fully participate in education, employment, and daily activities with other members of their communities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA is the main education law that governs the U.S. K-12 education policy. This law holds schools accountable for how students lean and succeed. It aims to provide an equal opportunity for disadvantaged students including special education students. ESSA ensures that all of the vital information is provided to the educators, families, students, and communities through statewide assessments that measures the students progress toward their education.
https://www.ed.gov/essa?src=rn