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The International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children (CEC) was established by a group of administrators, supervisors, and faculty members of Columbia University attending the summer session at the Teachers College. The CEC created a set of professional standards, specifically for special educators, providing a guideline for the necessary qualities and knowledge a special education teacher should have. The CEC also has standards for teaching Gifted students as well. -
The Division of Disability Resources Educational Services of the University of Illinois was a first-of-its-kind program that provides resources, therapies, and advocacy for students with disabilities. It was founded by Timothy Nugent, a disabled veteran, professor, and advocate. It allowed students with disabilities to participate as full members of the University in classes, student groups, and athletics. This program paved the way for other schools to develop their own DRES programs. -
Originally passed in 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was amended in 1966, marking a significant change in special education. This amendment added a federal grant program to help local schools develop a special education program. This was a game changer as many special education students were still being taught in schools or institutions operated by the state at the time, not in their local schools. This act also established the Bureau of Education of the Handicapped. -
This case was one of the precedents that ultimately led to the creation of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975. This lawsuit was filed on behalf of 7 children who were denied a public education by the D.C. School District due to their disabilities and the cost of the accommodations they needed to be properly educated. This was one of the first cases in the US that guaranteed the right of students with any disability to a public education, regardless of the cost. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 paved the way to help dismantle discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Although this act contains several sections that help prevent federal programs from discriminating against individuals, one of its most notable sections was 504. Although delayed for 4 years due to cost, it was what led to 504 Plans for students who needed accommodations.
More on the history of Section 504 can be found in this video. -
In 1975, Congress enacted Public Law 94-142, more commonly known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. This law was developed to ensure that all children with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education that emphasizes special education, protects their rights, assists states and localities in providing appropriate education, and assesses the effectiveness of the efforts made to educate these children. This law was later reformed and is now known as IDEA. -
The Florida Diagnostic Learning Resources System was established in 1978 to meet the guidelines outlined in the EAHC Act, that passed 3 years prior. Child Find works with school districts to locate children who may potentially be eligible for services under IDEA and connects them with needed services. FDLRS also provides assistance for schools and families to help foster family involvement in their child's education.
More information about FDLRS can be found here. -
The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments were signed into effect in 1986. These particular amendments were established after documentation on the importance of early intervention for infants and toddlers with disabilities came out. The amendments allowed for financial incentives for the States to provide early interventions for children under 2. They also recognized the crucial role of families in a child's development, establishing the requirement of Individualized Family Service Plans. -
The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 created grants for the advancement of assistive technology (AT). Title I grants were awarded to the States for programs of technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities. Title II grants were awarded for a study on providing AT devices and creating programs and services related to AT. Here is a brief video on the History of AT, focusing on the law. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1991 added more support for early intervention, which studies have shown is crucial to a child's success. This amendment allowed States to include under the definition of "children with disabilities," children ages 3-5 who need special education and related services. The qualifier was that they had to be experiencing delays in one or more areas of their development: physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional, or adaptive. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 introduced some key changes, placing a greater emphasis on accountability and assessment of student progress. One of the biggest changes was adding the requirement for special education teachers to be "highly qualified." Another was adding the use of RTI as an alternative identification method for learning disabilities. More info about IDEA 2004 can be found at Wrightslaw. -
The Every Student Succeeds Act was made in an effort to close the educational achievement gap by ensuring quality instruction for all students. ESSA helped students with disabilities by including them in the curriculum to prepare them for a career or college after school. It also introduced alternative diplomas and creation of Alternate Standards for students with severe cognitive deficits. As well as preparing those students for post-secondary education or community-integrated employment.