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In 1817, the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb (now called the American School for the Deaf), was established in Hartford, Connecticut.
It was founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc and made it the first permanent school for the deaf in America. In the first year, there were only seven students in attendance but quickly grew in numbers as word of the establishment spread. -
Founded in 1829, this was the first school for the blind in the United States. It provided education and services for children and adults who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired. One of the many notable alumni who attended this school and succeeded academically was Helen Keller. https://www.perkins.org/our-history/ -
Founded in 1950 by parents of children with disabilities, The Arc is a national organization that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has been a driving force in the special education system, particularly with the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. https://www.thearc.org/about-us/history/ -
In 1954, in the case of Brown vs. Board of Education, it was stated by the supreme court of the United States that all children have the right to education in equal terms. This landmark decision opened the door of opportunity for all individuals seeking education. This led to special education advocates arguing that segregation based on a student’s disability was also an infringement on their educational and civil rights. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) was a landmark federal law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson that provided federal funding for primary and secondary education, with a focus on supporting schools and programs for low-income students to promote equal access to education. ESEA provided funding for instructional materials, professional development, and resources to support educational programs, and has been reauthorized and modified several times since its enactment. -
Passed in 1973 and assured the rights of people with disabilities in respect to a non-discriminative environment in education, employment, and housing. Sections of the Act prohibit discrimination in federal employment (Section 501), employment by federal contractors (Section 503), and in programs and activities that receive federal funding or are conducted by federal agencies (Section 504). https://www.instagram.com/americanexperiencepbs/reel/DHrKDaNooA8/?locale=de-DE&hl=he -
In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed an act that stated children with disabilities would be given free public education. Requires school districts to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible children and established safeguards to protect the rights of children with disabilities and their parents. -
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) was founded in 1977 as the Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities by Carrie and Pete Rozelle, parents who couldn't find help for their son and wanted to support others with learning disabilities. The organization changed its name to NCLD in 1989 to reflect its expanded mission and has since grown into a leading advocate for the one in five individuals with learning and attention issues. -
Introduced in 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. It also supports early intervention services for infants and toddlers and their families. IDEA also awards competitive discretionary grants. -
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was a significant piece of U.S. federal legislation that reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, focusing on accountability and standardized testing to improve education outcomes for disadvantaged students. It required states to set proficiency goals for all students, particularly vulnerable groups, and implement corrective actions for schools that failed to make adequate yearly progress.