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Founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, the American School for the Deaf was opened Hartford, CT in the United States. It served as the first permanent school for children with disabilities, signaling the start of institutionalized special education. With many students facing exclusion from formal schooling, the American School of the Deaf provided the structured education that deaf students needed. -
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was the first professional organization to dedicate its efforts to improving the educational experiences of students with disabilities. Founded by Elizabeth Farrell, the CEC had a trailblazing impact in forming inclusive practices and elevating professional standards. It continues to advocate for further research, policy making, and training educators in special education. -
Frustrated by the lack of resources and support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, parents created The Arc. The Arc had a pivotal role in fighting for better educational opportunities for students with disabilities as well as civil rights protections. It has since spread nationwide and advocated for inclusion, services, and policy changes. -
In the case of Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court ruled that the "separate but equal" concept within education was unconstitutional. Initially focused on racial segregation, the case was eventually used to advocate for disabled children. Brown's case laid the foundation for equal opportunities for children of all backgrounds and capabilities. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federally funded programs to accommodate students so they could access education. It was the first federal civil rights law to protect those with disabilities from discrimination. Section 504 encouraged mainstreaming by mandating inclusion. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) is a law that guarantees Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. The law served as a turning pint for children with disabilities, ensuring they were able to receive an education along with their peers. The law also introduced the principle of education in the "least restrictive environment," procedural safeguards, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). -
California's law organized special education into Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs). This plan creates consistent access to special services across the state and encouraged collaboration in planning across districts. The law serves as an example for other states on how to implement federal mandate on the state level. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) broadened civil rights protections to cover individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, and public accommodations. Title II of the Act specifically implemented equal access to public education. It also further solidified the expectation that disabled students would be able to experience inclusion. https://www.ada.gov/topics/title-ii/ -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) upgraded previous special education laws. It reinforced inclusion and positioned special education to parallel general education reforms such as No Child Left Behind. It also implemented additional requirements for highly qualified educators, research-based instruction, and greater accountability for student results. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1-dS1uM6DU -
In the case of Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, the Supreme Court ruled that IEPs must be "appropriately ambitious" considering the child's circumstances. This ruling elevated FAPE standards and holds schools responsible for providing meaningful and profitable education. The case continues to be an important building block for ensuring greater expectations in special education.