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First Special Education School
Established in Hartford, Connecticut. The school was created for parents wanting their children to have an education. Specifically, the Founders Cogswell, Gilbert, and Gallaudet wanted their kids to be able to read and understand the Bible. The school taught children how to sign language, and the same skills general education kids were learning such as needlework, construction work, mending, and printing https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/issues/asylum-deaf-dumb/ -
The Arc
First organization for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the organization is that every individual with a disability will have the resources needed to support their inclusion and participation in the community. The Arc was founded by parents and they believed that their children with disabilities deserved to be included with everyone else and have equal opportunities. -
Brown v. Board of Education
An important Supreme Court case that ruled in the favor of Linda Brown, an elementary student who experienced inequality and prejudice due to the color of her skin. The court ruled segregation is unconstitutional and allowed all races to come together in schools. This case built a foundation of equality and became a step closer to getting rid of prejudice at schools. Built a bridge between individuals with disabilities and access to equal opportunities. -
Elementary Secondary Education Act
A law signed by President B. Johnson. He sought to end the issue between poverty and access to quality education. Schools with a majority of low-income families were given funds and resources to increase the quality of education. ESEA was created to close the educational gaps in academic skills for lower socioeconomic classes. Students with disabilities were also given fair and equal rights to obtain a quality education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c14OybZEV8 -
Mills v. Board of Education
Seven students were excluded from public schools. The court ruled in the favor of the students and stated that revoking the students’ right to education is just the same as discriminating against students because of their race. All children shall be given equal, free, and public education and services to maximize their learning. -
Rehabilitation Act
Prohibits establishments and schools from excluding individuals with disabilities opportunities to receive the same benefits and services as individuals without disabilities. Everyone must have equal opportunities to participate in program benefits and services. The act broke down the barriers between individuals with disabilities and being able to live their lives with maximum opportunities for success. https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/rehabilitation-act-1973 -
Education Handicapped Act
An amendment to the ESEA act allowed parents to voice their opinions about their children’s education. This act was designed specifically for children with disabilities. The provision states students must be placed in the least restrictive environment (LRE) to give the maximum amount of opportunities to interact with non-disability students. The amendment ensured students with disabilities will have a fair, appropriate, free, and public education. -
American Disabilities Act
Protects the rights of people with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination and ensuring they have access to employment, transportation, accommodations, and government services. This allowed people with disabilities to live their lives just like everyone else without any obstacles in the way. The act gave inclusion to everyone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gsGiszvyjQ -
No Child Left Behind
Designed to close the gap between the student and their achievement by giving every child fair and equal opportunities to achieve high-quality education. Students with disabilities must be provided with testing accommodations that will not hinder, but support the student in showing what they know academically. Alternate assessments will be provided for students that cannot be tested regularly with accommodations. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Law was made to replace the No Child Left Behind Act. The law gave more power to the states and as a result, success became increasingly attainable. States can set standards for student achievement based on important factors. The act encouraged states to not test students unnecessarily. School funding was no longer evaluated solely on student test scores. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZINwnEPhiFM