-
Founding of the First Special Needs School
The first school in America founded in Virginia to teach thoes with disabilities was the American School for the deaf. The school was created as it was preferable to have a local school than to send students to the established special needs schools in Europe. This school became the first to be given federal aid and revolutionized the treatment of special needs students. -
Brown vs. The Board of Education
Although Brown vs. Board is most famous for the winning argument that black students should not be separate from their white peers, its decision that separate is not equal also applied to special needs students. Following this ruling, special needs students were welcomed to the idea of mainstreaming and it sparked the formation of many new advocacy groups. Though it still took many years before inclusion became the norm, segregation was no longer accepted. -
Department of Public Welfare v. Hass 1958
In 1958 the Supreme Court decided that current laws "do not require the state to provide a free educational program, as a part of the common school system, for the feeble minded or mentally deficient children who, because of limited intelligence, are unable to receive a good common school education." (Dep. of Public Welfare v. Hass 1958 p. 270) This decision led states to not only pass laws hindering the rights of special needs children but allowed for flagrant violations of existing laws. -
Special Olympics
The Special Olympics Program was designed to allow those with mental and physical disabilities the chance to experience sports. This program is open to those ages 8 and up and not only holds local, national and worldwide competitions but also offers year round practices. The Special Olympics has had a great impact on schools by providing sports based activities that promote inclusion and the development of lasting life skills and friendships. Link text -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 gave people with disabilities rights to education, employment and other liberties. Its purpose was to dedicate effort and money to improving the lives of those with disabilities. It required more research for special needs, expanded programs and established duties in the department of health, education and welfare. Link text -
The Federation for Children with Special Needs
The Federation for Children with Special Needs was founded on the principles of connecting parents, students and teachers with much needed resources and information about help in their communities. This program finds it vital to inform parents about public policies that will effect them and their special needs child. It also assists them with actively participating in shaping these policies that will effect their lives. Link text -
Education of All Handicapped Children Act
The Education of All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was a law passed by President Ford that required all public schools receiving federal aid to educate students with disabilities. They were also required to provide at least one free meal a day to these students. Normal evaluations of special needs students also became a requirement which pushed for schools to emphasize student progress. Special needs students were required to be placed in classrooms closest to normal, known as mainstreaming. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1977
The Education for All Children with Disabilities Act became Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This change expanded the services provided to students with disabilties requiring them to recieve the same core curriculum. It also emphasized the importance of placing students in the least restrictive environment. (LRE). This required the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) which gave every special needs student access to resources necessary to accomplish an equal education. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act forbid discrimination against any person with a disability requiring equal treatment in employment, public assistance and law. This effected special needs students not only in first and secondary school but in college as well. Schools now not only had to conform to laws directly for education but also had to match the requirements for this as well allowing for easier access to a college education for many students with disabilities -
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act was based on the principles that all children were to reach a nation wide proficiency and pushed for accountability in schools. This legislation put emphasis on providing students with disabilities the needed accommodations to meet their established goals in the IEP's. By requiring schools to report students progress from many groups not just the entire population the schools are more likely to push for inclusive activities with special needs students.
