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First School of Special Education
Founded in 1817, the first special education school in the United States. The American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb. Which is now known as the American School of Deaf. This school was established in Hartford, Connecticut. Seven students were enrolled during the first year. They referred to the students who were not able to speak as "dumb. This was a turning point for lawmakers, it brought funding and movements to education. -
Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 declared it was illegal to discriminate against individuals on the basis of color, race or whether they were a slave. This would help in future litigation and provide remedy for those effected in the education system. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was organized by a group of educators attending the summer session at Teachers College, Columbia University, and their faculty members on August 10, 1922. The Council began with 12 members. This council helped parents and guardians place their children of special education into regular schools. -
Early Foundations of Special Education
Prior to the 1950s there weren't many or if any laws that protected student with disabilities. In fact students with disabilities were not welcomed in public schools. -
The Arc
The Arc was established by a group of parents of children with developmental disabilities. They wanted their child's abilities to be respected and wanted their independence to be encouraged. The Arc is the largest national community- based organization that advocated for people with (IDD) Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Arc has supported parents and children through advocacy through federal legislations. https://thearc.org/about-us/history/ -
Brown v. Board of Education
In 1954, segregation in schools was declared unconstitutional and was eliminated in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. This ruling lead to legislation fighting to provide a free public education for all students including those with disabilities. However students with disabilities were placed in a separate classroom. https://youtu.be/OkuiMr2tLJE -
Department of Public Welfare v Haas
Although the U.S. was in the midst of the civil rights movement, students with disabilities were still not protected by rulings such as Brown v Board. The Department of Public Welfare v Haas case ruled that the state of Illinois did not have to provide a free public education to students with disabilities because they were considered "feeble minded". https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/supreme-court/1958/34924-5.html -
PARC v Board of Education
In 1917 the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania the state was told that it was illegal to deny a child of free appropriate public education. This ruling also stated that special education programs must be similar to the general education programs in place at the time. (FAPE) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOEX1YnkPFg -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, this is the first federal civil rights law specifically aimed to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities. Section 504 prohibited agencies that receive federal funds from discriminating against individuals because of their disabilities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) was revolutionary for special education because it gave students with disabilities, "nondiscriminatory testing, evaluation, and placement procedures". In addition, a free, appropriate education as outlined by an individualized education plan (IEP). -
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act, commonly referred to as ADA, requires public places to provide the same opportunities to individuals with disabilities as they do to the general public. It also ensured disabled people have equal access to government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.
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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
1990 was a monumental year for special education with both ADA and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 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. -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind Act allows for accountability and flexibility in use of federal funds and offering school choice options. As while as ensuring that all children including those with disabilities have fair and equal high quality education. https://www2.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml -
IDEIA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 has two primary purposes. The first purpose is to provide an education that meets a child's unique needs and prepares the child for further education, employment, and independent living. The second purpose is to protect the rights of both children with disabilities and their parents. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, and represents good news for our schools. The main purpose of ESSA is to make sure public schools provide a quality education for all kids. ESSA has bought new opportunities for schools and students, but the work to ensure the law makes good on its promise continues.
