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First federal law regarding the care of people with disabilities was passed by the Fifth Congress
The first federal law regarding the care of people with disabilities was passed by the Fifth Congress and signed by President John Adams. This law helped to establish a framework for the care of individuals with disabilities, allocated federal funds for the construction of facilities for the disabled, promoted training of caregivers and medical staff, and encouraged states to develop their programs for disability care. -
First special education school in the United States
The first special education school in the United States, the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb (now called the American School for the Deaf), was established in Hartford, Connecticut, by Gallaudet. This school aimed to provide education and support for deaf children and set a precedent for the establishment of similar institutions across the United States. -
First public special education class in the U.S .
The First public special education class in the US was opened in Rhode Island. It was established to provide free education for children with disabilities, and it was pioneered by educator Ella Flagg Young and her colleagues. It marked a pivotal shift towards inclusive education practices and laid the groundwork for future special education legislation. -
First institution for research on exceptional children opened
The first institution for research on exceptional children opened at the University of Illinois. It aimed to improve educational practices and outcomes for children with disabilities. It fostered collaboration between educators, researchers, and policymakers. This institution conducted groundbreaking studies on learning disabilities and gifted education. -
President’s Panel on Mental Retardation
President John F. Kennedy approved the formation of the President’s Panel on Mental Retardation. The panel made recommendations on what the federal government should do for people with intellectual disabilities. They set out to address challenges such as a lack of research and statistical data, as well as a critical shortage of professionals with appropriate training to meet the needs of people with disabilities across the lifespan. -
First Special Olympics in Chicago
It was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to provide sports opportunities for people with disabilities. It was held at Soldier Field and featured over 1000 athletes from Canada and the US. Included a variety of sports, such as swimming, basketball, and track and field. It laid the groundwork for the global Special Olympics movement, which now includes over 170 countries. [History of the First Special Olympics](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT55ffCojD0) -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504.
This law aimed to remove discrimination based on disability from programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. This legislation offered protection to persons with disabilities and set precedents for subsequent legislation for people with disabilities. [Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/civil-rights-center/statutes/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973) -
Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA)
The Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA) was passed. It established the right to a free and appropriate education for children with disabilities, required schools to develop IEPs for eligible students, provided federal funding to assist states in implementing special education programs, and promoted parental involvement in the education process and decision-making process. -
Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
During the case of Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that special education services need only provide some "educational benefit" to students, and public schools were not required to maximize the educational progress of students with disabilities. The Supreme Court further defined what was meant by a free and appropriate education. -
Amendment of EAHCA
The EAHCA was amended to include a change to person-first language, replacing the term handicapped student with student with disabilities. The 1990 amendments also added new classification categories for students with autism and traumatic brain injury and transition plans within IEPs for students age fourteen or older.