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1st School of Special Education
This school was established by Rev. Thomas Gallaudet in Hartford, Connecticut. It was originally named the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Dead and Dumb. However, because the term “dumb” has found a new definition throughout the years, the school changed its name and is now called the American School for the Deaf. They offered many courses found necessary for the students aside from general ed classes.
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The Arc
The Arc was established by a group of parents wanting to address their concerns towards wrongful suggestions from doctors for their children with special needs. It has now become an organization that advocates for educational rights for students with disabilities. The Arc provides many opportunities for students and families with disabilities and promotes fairness and awareness for these students in the federal vs. educational setting. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of PA
This court case was the first right-to-education established for students with disabilities in the country. It was enacted in order to provide free special education for children with intellectual disabilities. The court declared that it is unlawful and unconstitutional to deny students with disabilities access to education. -
Mills v. Board of Education
This case began because schools were punishing students with expulsion, etc., and disregarding due process of law. The outcome is that rather than providing free special education in select areas in the country, this case guaranteed special education for all students with disabilities. The case also aimed to grant the policy that no child should ever be excluded from receiving a public education.
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VRA (Section 504)
This law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in any federal organization. Some of these organizations include employment, social services, and public education. Through this act, people with disabilities are also provided with more opportunities throughout life. -
EAHCA
After this law was passed, students with disabilities are guaranteed free appropriate public education from ages 5-18 that will meet their unique needs. This act initiated IEPs and utilized them when providing special education. Because EAHCA provides services to meet the students’ unique needs, it utilizes LRE. -
National Center for Learning Disabilities
This organization was established in order to help students with disabilities succeed in every area. They also advocate for educational rights and conduct research that may help all people with disabilities in the future. Rather than focusing on advocating for students with disabilities within specific proximity, NCLD strives to advocate for and aid students nationwide. -
Education of the Handicapped Act
Rather than granting free appropriate education to children ages 5-18, this act extends its privileges to children starting at age 3. This amendment also enacted early intervention for newborns with disabilities to age 2. The outcome of this amendment was geared towards the inclusion of toddlers and infants with disabilities in the education setting. -
Honig v. Doe
This case was centered on two students who experienced problems in school related to their disabilities. Because of this, they faced consequences and created the Honig v. Doe case. The final decree from this case mandates that students should not be expelled for any behaviors related to their disability. -
IDEA
This act was originally titled EAHCA in 1975 but was renamed after it became reenacted and expanded. It established person-first language, expanded special education services, increased bilingual education, and much more. It also utilizes LRE by requiring specific transition services and planning for education. Because of this act, more students were placed in general education classrooms and more toddlers received early interventions.
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Cedar Rapids v. Garret F.
This court case was created because the school denied financial responsibility in order to aid Garrett, a handicapped student, on school premises. It was mandated that students with disabilities should always be provided supplemental services throughout the school day. These special services must also be funded by the school. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
This law was mandated in 2001 but officially signed as a law in 2002. It requires states to implement academic standards and tests to increase education. To help with inclusion, however, this act provides accountability and flexibility, ensuring equal and fair treatment towards students with disabilities. There are also pros and cons this law entails. There may be too much emphasis on test, but this puts pressure on "bad" teachers to become better.
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IDEIA
Through this act, parents were guaranteed more involvement in their child’s special education process. It also helped to increase funding for early intervention services, avoided some IEP short-term objectives, created additional standards for obtaining special education licenses, and utilizes LRE to help each of the students with disabilities. Policies were then created in order to prevent the overrepresentation of minorities in special education programs.