History of Special Education

First American School for the Deaf

1817

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet embarked on a voyage to Europe to learn the art of educating children whom are deaf. He learned an ample amount of information regarding educating the death and enlisted Laurent Clerc to join him in the U.S. to establish a permanent school for the deaf . It became the prominent school for providing an exemplary model educational program.

American Association on Mental Retardation

1876

This is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals and citizens concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is now known as the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Their organization consists of leaders with a strong vice and important mission

First Public School Class in the U.S.

1896

In 1896, Rhode Island was the first state to open the first public special education class in the United States. This began the evolution of special education. A variety of these special education classes were taught by teachers that wanted to educate these special needs students. Institutions were evolved to teach this population.

International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children

1922

The International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children is organized by a group of administrators and supervisors that attended the summer session at Teacher’s College. The council began with 12 members. The Founder and first president of the organization was Elizabeth E. Farrell

Department of Special Education

1931

In January of 1931, the Department of Special Education was established. This law required the teaching of atypical children. Not shortly after, full special education classes were formed.

Brown vs. Board of Education

1954

This was a very historic Supreme Court case where the justices ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. This was well known during the civil rights movement and helped establish the precedent of racial equality. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka

Learning Disabilities Association of America

1963

The Learning Disabilities Association of America has provided support to parents, educators and other professionals with support regarding individuals with learning disabilities. This organization has provided information on learning disabilities, practical solutions and comprehensive network of resources.

First Special Olympics

1968

The First International Special Olympics Games were help in Soldier Field, Chicago. These games included individuals with intellectual disabilities. 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada competed in track and swimming events. http://xgames.espn.com/xgames/video/13313691/special-olympics-first-world-games-1968

Rehabilitation Act

1973

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment and in the employment practices of federal contractors. This act solely protects individuals with disabilities.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

1974

The Family Educational Right and Privacy Act, also known as FERPA, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. This gives parents certain rights with respect to their child’s educational records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.