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First School for the Deaf
In 1817, the American School for the Deaf was founded as the first permanent school for the deaf. It is also known as the first special education school in the Western Hemisphere. American sign language was first developed and practiced at ASD. -
First School for the Blind
In 1829, the Perkins School for the Blind was the first school for the blind whose desire was to provide equal opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired, and deafblind. The school soon outgrew itself and expanded to bigger properties as well as opened a kindergarten for the blind. -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children is an association of educators who are dedicated to the success of children with exceptionalities through advocacy, standards, and professional development. It was first founded in 1922 by administrators and supervisors attending Columbia University to develop professional standards for the field of special education. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
On May 17th 1954, in Brown vs. Board of Education, the Supreme Court issued an opinion that school segregation was unconstitutional and unequal. The federal government portrayed its first advocacy for students who experienced inequality and prejudice. This lead to the domino effect of future events that further fueled desegregation as well as opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in federally funded programs and institutions. It also prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 allows for special accommodations, support, and services for children and adults with disabilities. -
Education of All Handicapped
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act is a federal law. It requires states and public schools to provide free and appropriate education for children with disabilities. It also requires states to individualize education programs and is the first to define the least restrictive environment.
https://www.understood.org/?_sp=0dba6d87-eb19-4b76-b7a1-c4d8063b0a40.1642358072878 -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal civil rights law that is an extension to protect people with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities and in the private sector. It protects their equal opportunity to employment and public services, accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
https://beta.ada.gov/ -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA is American legislation that ensures that students with a disability receive free and appropriate education that meets their needs. 6 principles of IDEA contribute to meeting students' needs, individualized education program (IEP), parents and student participation, least restrictive environment (LRE), procedural safeguards, eligibility, and evaluations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usFuT2DAhw8 -
No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act supported standards-based education reform based on the belief that accountable education through high standards and measurable goals would improve individual education. It promoted standardized testing for all students including students with disabilities. This Act increased a guarantee for quality education. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This Act was introduced and replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, for places quality education for all kids in the spotlight with an emphasis on students achievement. It prioritizes how all students, including students with disabilities, should have individualized achievable goals and should receive the appropriate, equal, high-quality support and education to reach those goals, and closes education achievement gaps.
https://www.everystudentsucceedsact.org/