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Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb
Children who were deaf, mute, or blind were provided with primary education and moral training at the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and the Dumb and the Blind. In addition to students from all over the United States, the school is located in the District of Columbia. In 1865, the institution founded the National Deaf Mute College, which is now Gallaudet University. This college would be the first school in the world established for people with disabilities. -
Council for Exceptional Students
A group of educators attending Columbia University's summer session founded the Council for Exceptional Students. When the council began, it had 12 members. Elizabeth E. Farrell was the President and founder of the organization from 1922-1926. This professional organization was created to provide students with special needs and giftedness with opportunities to enhance their academic experiences.
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The Bradley Home
As the nation's first psychiatric hospital for children, Bradley Home provided educational programming alongside residential treatment. It was opened in East Providence, Rhode Island. The Bradley’s, George and Helen, created this hospital because their child, Emma, was diagnosed with severe disabilities. The Bradley’s did not want other families to experience the struggle they went through, so they opened a place for around the clock medical and educational care. -
Brown Vs. Board of Education
Throughout United States history, this court case has been a defining moment. Besides bringing attention to black students versus white students in schools, this case also highlighted the disparity between special education students and general education students. As a result of this case, many advocacy groups were formed to inform the public of the need for special education programs. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) Vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This is a class-action lawsuit filed by and on behalf of several disabled children against Pennsylvania's State Board of Education. State-run institutions sided with students with intellectual and learning disabilities in this case. In PARC vs. Penn, the Supreme Court ruled that students with disabilities should be enrolled in publicly funded schools that meet their individualized educational needs, based on a thorough evaluation.
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Among the first disability civil rights acts enacted in the United States, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first. People with disabilities are prohibited from discriminating in programs receiving federal financial aid, and the American with Disabilities Act is a direct result. This law includes free and appropriate education and least restrictive environments. The program is available to students with physical or mental disabilities that impair their learning experience. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This act ensured that students with disabilities could attend appropriate and free public schools. EAHCA included the provision of special education to children ages 5-18 with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for all students. It is also known as the Mainstreaming Law, which is intended to provide special education students with a positive educational experience in general education classrooms. This is the first defined least restrictive environment. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
In order to provide children with disabilities with rights and protections, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was signed into law. The program covers them from birth until the age of 21 or when they graduate high school. In school districts, free appropriate public education (FAPE) must be available to all students, and children with disabilities must learn alongside their peers in Least Restrictive Environments (LRE).
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No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
To achieve the NCLB goal, this law was enacted to provide a framework that would ensure that no child would be trapped in failing school by ensuring that elementary and secondary schools perform better. at least 95% students with disabilities participate statewide. A variety of issues are covered in NCLB, from bettering teacher quality and providing materials to English language learners to preventing drug use in schools.
NCLB -
Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act (IDEIA)
Through special education and related services, the aim of this law is to ensure that all disabled children receive a proper education. Teachers and schools must know and follow the provisions and guidelines such as zero rejection, child find to identify and track the student, a nondiscriminatory education for the student, Least restrictive environments with inclusive, due process, privacy of records, and an individualized education program. Parent participation is recommended in this program.