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Establishment of the Perkins School for the Blind (1829):
One important turning point in the history of special education in the US was the founding of the Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts in 1829. Samuel Gridley Howe and John Dix Fisher established Perkins, the first school in the country specifically designed to educate kids with visual impairments. Its establishment was a major step toward offering specialized education to those with sensory impairments.
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Establishment of Gallaudet University (1864)
The founding of Gallaudet University in 1864 was a significant advance in special education for the hard-of-hearing. Gallaudet University offers customized training to fit each student's needs. Its foundation, which emphasized the value of inclusive and accessible learning environments for those with sensory impairments, set the stage for developments in sign language and deaf education. Gallaudet.edu -
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896):
The Plessy v. Ferguson case, known for racial segregation, also influenced the isolation of students with disabilities. It endorsed creating separate schools for them, leading to unequal access to education. Legal battles against this segregation arose later, but the initial ruling perpetuated discriminatory practices by advocating for the separation of disabled students from their peers without impairments. -
Brown v. Board of Education (1954):
Brown v. Board of Education focused on racial segregation but also paved the way for challenges to disability-based segregation. The case drew attention to the unfairness of categorizing children based on ethnicity or disability. Brown v. Board of Education improved educational opportunities for oppressed groups, including disabled children. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973:
One important piece of federal legislation that worked to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities was the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In programs and activities receiving federal financial aid, discrimination on the basis of disability was forbidden under Section 504 of this act. This clause served as a foundation for other laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which required special education services for kids with disabilities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) of 1975 (IDEA):
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), formerly known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) of 1975, required free public education for children with disabilities. It promoted inclusion in mainstream contexts by guaranteeing customized training. This statute emphasized personalized support and inclusion, which facilitated equitable access to education. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
Discrimination against people with disabilities in public places, the workplace, and other spheres of life is forbidden by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. It ensures equal chances for people with disabilities by imposing mandatory accessible requirements on buildings and services. Greater engagement and integration of people with disabilities into society have been facilitated by the ADA, which has played a significant role in encouraging accessibility and inclusion. -
The Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court Decision (1999)
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court stated that the ADA prohibits discrimination by unjustly separating people with disabilities in institutional settings. The ruling affirmed their entitlement to services in integrated community settings, including schooling. This decision challenged segregation, allowing wider inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream education. -
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001:
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 mandated rigorous standards for student performance, including those with disabilities. It emphasized accountability for schools to ensure all students, regardless of ability, achieved academic proficiency. However, its reliance on standardized testing has been criticized for potentially marginalizing students with disabilities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015
The No Child Left Behind Act was superseded by the federal education statute known as ESSA. It has clauses that support equal access to education, lessen achievement gaps, and boost the academic success of students with disabilities. ESSA prioritizes accountability and flexibility in education policy while upholding the objectives of IDEA.