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The American School for the Deaf was founded on April 15, 1817. It was the first permanent school for the deaf in the US. It provided and continues to provide comprehensive educational programs and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The school provided learning for students in many different subjects such as math, reading, the bible, writing, history, and geography. -
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The Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education is arguably one of the most important milestones of public education's history. The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation was unconstitutional under the law, even if the schools were equal in quality. This ruling is the reason why today students of all racial backgrounds are able to enjoy learning together instead of being separated solely because of the color of their skin. -
The Handicapped Children's Early Education Assistance Act was enacted in 1968. It authorized the support for early childhood programs and increased Head Start enrollment for young children with disabilities.The funding for this program went towards the preschools and early childhood programs. -
The Rehabilitation Act was enacted on September 26, 1973. It prohibits any discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies. Such programs receive federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors. -
EHA Website
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was enacted in 1975. Before it, children with disabilities were denied an education. The act marked the change in that now children with disabilities are entitled to an education. The act protects the rights of, meeting the needs of, & improving the results of children with disabilities & their families. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted on July 26 1970. It protects the rights of people with disabilities from discrimination. Discrimination can include employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, access to state and local government programs and services, and more. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was enacted on October 30th, 1990. It ensures that students with a disability are provided with a Free Appropriate Public Education. It also is to be tailored to each of their individual needs. -
The No Child Left Behind Act was passed by Congress on January 8th, 2002. Its goal was to make every single student (regardless of race, disability, and family income) proficient in reading and math by the end of the 2013-14 school year. This law not only looked at the progress that schools made as a whole, but it held the schools accountable for all students including those who are disadvantaged. Sadly, the law failed but it continues to inspire schools to help each and every student succeed.