History of Special Education

By snootchon4

  • Jean Marc Gaspard Itard

    Was an early educator for deaf students and is known for work with feral child Victor of Aveyron.

  • Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet

    Established the first American residential school for educating the deaf.

  • Samuel Gridley Howe

    Started the first residential school for blind students.

  • Édouard Séguin

    Worked on the understanding of the causes of intellectual disabilities and the teaching of those who had those disabilities. Published several books on the subject, including Idiocy: and its Treatment by the Physiological Method

  • Ferrell and other educators

    Establish the Council for Exceptional Children and begin developing curriculum for special education as a profession.

  • Parent Groups

    Begin to organize to provide support, education and a format for seeking resources. This was partially as a response to first wave of deinstitutionalization.

  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver

    Begins Camp Shriver to advocate and fair treatment of those with disabilities. This Camp becomes the impetus for the Special Olympics. Other Organizations follow suit.

  • Normalization and deinstitutionalization

    After the first wave of phasing in those suffering from mental illness in the 1950s, the mid to late 1960s saw the removal of those with intellectual disabilities from institutions and asylums. While the intent behind these moves was well meant, often the proper amount of services were not in place to help these individuals. Society began to note the need for special services for those suffering from intellectual deficits.

  • Education for all Handicapped Children Act

    This begins federal involvement to ensure free education to those with disabilities.

  • Inclusion

    Advocates for children with special needs being taught in the same environments as their peers begins to get traction.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

    This furthers guarantees free and appropriate education for students with disabilities and sets more stringent guidelines for schools.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    This was a Civil Rights law that guaranteed the right to no discrimination for those with disabilities.

  • No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

    Standards-based reform of education that had far-reaching positive and negative consequences for special education.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act

    Further narrows the focus of what the government and schools must do to accommodate students with disabilities.