History Of Special Education and Inclusive Timeline

School for the Deaf

1817

The "American School for the Deaf" was opened in 1817 and it was the first school for the deaf in the United States. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet went on an a journey to Europe to learn how to educate deaf children. It provides comprehensive educational programs for the deaf and hard- of hearing students. This school has now served as the "mother school" to provide model educational programs for the deaf. https://www.asd-1817.org/about/history--cogswell-heritage-house

Perkins School for the Blind

1829

Perkins School for the Blind was first opened in 1829 with six students. This school was located in Boston, Massachusetts and had kids from all over the U.S. attending within six years. This was the first school to teach the deaf and blind how to read, write, and do mathematics. Students had to use their sense of touch to compensate for being blind. https://www.massmoments.org/moment-details/perkins-school-for-the-blind-incorporated.html

Gallaudet University

1864

This college has been known by many names, originally called National College for the Deaf and Dumb. This was the first university for the deaf and blind. Interestingly enough, the 38th congress authorized the granting of college degrees and the act was signed by Abraham Lincoln. It still remains one of the best schools with the most advanced programs designed to accommodate the deaf and blind.

Council for Exceptional Children

1922

The council for exceptional children was started by a group of students who were attending a meeting to discuss different ways of helping others with disabilities. Their plan was to improve the educational experience for those with disabilities. One of their primary goals was to organize and establish professional standards.

The Bradley Home

1929

This hospital was the first nations neuropsychiatric hospital for children made for the Bradley's only child. The Bradley's child, Emma, was born with multiple disabilities including cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The family wanted to conduct a worldwide experiment to try and find a cure or treatment for their daughter Emma. The Bradley's gave their consent to use their home as a children's treatment facility after they passed and that money was used to open a new institution.

Classification of Autism

1943

Leo Kanner was the first to diagnose early infantile autism. He was first contacted by a concerned parent, who wrote to him describing all the symptoms his son was experiencing. Kanner met this boy, only to confirm the fathers suspicions. With his research, he found out that autism seemed to be found at birth, it is not something developed in the future. He founded the first child psychiatry clinic in the country.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act

1965

This national education law was passed to ensure equal opportunity for all students. This act authorizes state-run programs for the schools who want their students with disabilities to achieve academically. This act also provides funding for primary and secondary education with money provided for the programs and materials.

First Center for Independent Living

1972

The first center for independent living was founded in 1972 by a disability activist named Ed Roberts in California. The centers were created to support and encourage those with disabilities by letting them be managed by those with disabilities. They get an opportunity to run and control their lives and have more initiative.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Jul 26, 1990

The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities. It protects similar protocols that are provided by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ADA also protects people with disabilities at the work place by requiring proper accommodations. To qualify as a person with disabilities, your condition has to be severe or permanent.

IDEA

Oct 30, 1990

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a program that makes education for eligible children with disabilities available. It is available for children between the ages of 3 and 21. The congress stated that disabilities are part of the human experience and it should not diminish the rights of anybody to participate in society. This act was to ensure that people with disabilities get the opportunity to receive an education.
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