History of Special Education and Inclusive Education Timetoast Timeline

  • American School for the Deaf

    American School for the Deaf

    In 1817, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc founded the school in Hartford, CT. The establishment of the school was pivotal in recognizing that deaf children should also be educated. Gallaudet's inspiration for the school stemmed from his neighbor Alice Cogswell's inability to communicate with others.
    https://www.asd-1817.org/about/history--cogswell-heritage-house
  • Beattie v. Board of Education

    Beattie v. Board of Education

    In 1919, the court declared that Merritt Beattie with cerebral palsy may be excluded from public schooling. The justification for this ruling was that his difference in facial harmony and drooling was distressing to other children. Beattie had trouble speaking, walking, and drooled constantly. The Antigo school claimed that Beattie's teacher spent more time attending his needs than teaching other students.
  • Council for Exceptional Children founded

    Council for Exceptional Children founded

    Elizabeth E. Farell along with her graduate students at Teacher's College formulated the group. The creation of the organization was to bring together educators and provide them with the necessary skills to teach children with disabilities. The group also promoted research and training.

    https://exceptionalchildren.org/about-us#:~:text=Our%20Founding%20%26%20History,%2Con%20August%2010%2C%201922.
  • Brown V. Board of Education

    Brown V. Board of Education

    Oliver Brown and parents of African American children united to sue the board of education of Topeka, Kansas. During that time the law was under the "separate but equal" notion. However, Brown and the parents claimed that segregated schools went against the 14th Amendment. Hence, through united effort and action they were able to prove to the Supreme Court that segregated schools are unconstitutional.
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This law increased the federal funding for K-12 education (especially children from low-income families). The act supported schools by funding educational opportunities to disadvantaged students. One of the key provisions was to prohibit discrimination based on color, race, or nationality.
  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    The creation of this act was to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities who were involved in programs/schooling that received federal funding. This act would protect students with disabilities who are in public schools, college, and more. The 504 accommodations included: permission to take breaks (if the individual needed), assistive technology, extra time, or any other accommodations they might need. The act is beneficial because it covered physical and mental impairment.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children

    Education for All Handicapped Children

    The act required that all schools provide Individualized Educated Programs (IEPs) for students who may need it. EHA made sure that students with disabilities were being educated with other classmates. This way they were granted the opportunity to be immersed in the learning experience with other children.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    In October 30,1990 Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was renamed to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The new name replaced the negative/outdated term of "handicapped". IDEA was respectful and kept in mind person-first language. Moreover, the update expanded services for students with disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XMndYNEGFA
  • No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

    The purpose of this act was to hold schools accountable on the performance of their students. This act ensured that disadvantaged students and students with disabilities were provided with top-tier education. The act implemented high standards to improve learning goal outcomes for all students.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    President Barack Obama signed this act to support struggling schools, ensure quality, and authorize control to states/districts. Every Student Succeeds Act replaced the No Child Left Behind Act. This act was responsible in providing students with disabilities the opportunity to have access to general education curriculum and assessments. Furthermore, it encouraged inclusive practices and research to provide learning success for all students.