History of Special Education in the United States

By rdegen
  • Period: to

    Treatment of students with disabilities prior to 1960

    Students are kept isolated from their peers, often education in separate schools

  • First school for students with hearing impairments is established

  • First school established for students with vision impairments

  • Council for Exceptional Children is founded

    Special education begins to be recognized as a profession

  • Parents begin to organize groups to push for support and information

  • Brown V. Board of Education

    This permitted parents of children with disabilities to challenge inadequate education

  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act, PL 94 - 142 is passed

  • Period: to

    Treatment of students with disabilities in the 1980s

    Students were receiving lackluster education with many gaps due to a lack of proper accommodation in general ed classrooms. Many still resist "full inclusion"

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is passed

    Civil rights law to ensure fair treatment in all areas for those with disabilities

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is passed

    IDEA established the following:
    • That students with disabilities should have access to free public education
    • Parents and students have rights in regards to student evaluation and labeling. They can challenge findings.
    • Parents or guardians must be kept up to date with placements and educational plans
    • Students should be taught in the least restrictive environment possible
    • Students must have IEPs
    • Students are to be evaluated fairly
    • Student evaluations and placements are confidential

  • No Child Left Behind Act is passed

    Standards-based reform of education

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act is passed

    Enabled more students to be in general ed classes, led to a higher percentage of students with disabilities gaining employment, and caused a jump in the number of students with disabilities attending college.