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The first U.S school created specifically for students with disabilities opened in Hartford, Connecticut on April 15, 1817. This marked an early move toward educating students rather than isolating them. It established formal instruction for deaf students in the U.S -
In 1840 Rhode Island required children to attend school, increasing responsibility for educating all learners. This compulsory education exposed inequalities in access. This helped push later special education reforms. -
Students with disabilities began receiving instruction inside public schools rather than institutions. This reduced restrictiveness compared to residential placements. It represents an early form of mainstreaming. -
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an organization founded in August 10, 1922. The CEC became a leading professional organization for special educators. It helped shape teacher preparation and advocacy as well as strengthened professional standards in special education.
For more information visit this website : https://exceptionalchildren.org -
The National Association for Retarded Citizens (NARC) is an organization founded in 1950. Parents organized nationally to advocate for children with intellectual disabilities. This played a major role in later federal laws. This organization continues to support inclusion today.
For more information visit this website:
https://thearc.org/home/ -
Brown's civil rights decision influenced disability- rights challenges in education. Education was reframed as a civil right. This logic supported future inclusion and anti- segregation efforts. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is a federal legislation in 1965 that expanded federal involvement to address educational inequality. It laid the groundwork for later disability- specific laws. Federal funding became a tool for enforcing equity. -
In 1917 the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) challenged exclusion and introduced placement protections for students with disabilities. This case established the idea of education in the least restrictive alternative. It directly influenced later LRE requirements in federal law. -
Mills reinforced due process rights and challenged unfair removals of children with disabilities from public schools in 1972. Schools could not deny education due to cost or disability. It strengthened access to general education settings. -
In the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504 made disability discrimination illegal in federally funded schools. This law supports accommodations in general education classrooms. It expanded beyond special education eligibility. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) was signed into law in November 29, 1975 which guaranteed students with disabilities a free appropriate public education. It formally established Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). It required all schools to educate students with non disabled peers when appropriate.
Watch this video for more information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4Xzvafi-Pg -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) was signed on December 4, 2004 which strengthened accountability, outcomes, and access to general education curriculum for children with disabilities. It reinforced inclusion and alignment with general education standards. It represents modern special education practice still used today.
Watch this video for more information:
https://youtu.be/3XMndYNEGFA?si=CQOoAgZYOiYbajpn