-
Charles Michael L'Epeé, a Catholic priest and pioneer in the 18th century for education for all founded the first public school for individuals with disabilities, with a primary focus on deaf individuals, called Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris. The unique use of phonetics and language to reach even those who are deaf, interested him deeply, and led to many others pioneering a similar goal. Citation -
Reverend Thomas Gallaudet founded the American Asylum for Education of Deaf and Dumb in Hartford, Conneticut, after meeting a young lady who was deaf. This institution gave opportunity to those who cannot hear or speak. This sparked a cultural understanding that mute did not mean inability to be educated and an essential instrument in society. His work also led to advances in American Sign Language.
Video link -
Samuel Howe used the resources the gained as director for England Asylum for the Blind to bring this mission to America. He was deeply disturbed at the idea that blind individuals would be seen as pitied or inable to be educated. Perkins gave students the opportunity to join the workforce and be essential instruments to society. Perkins uses IDEA to include them in less restrictive classrooms, with inclusive support when necessary. Link -
During a time where many changes were occurring both politically, and socially, During the 1890's the responsibility of providing education for special children was given to the state. Due to this need, the National Education Association created the Department of Special Education, which currently oversees in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and has a primary focus on improving the academic experience for children with all kinds of disabilities; cognitive, physical, etc. -
Founded by Elizabeth Farell, alongside other individuals passionate about inclusive education resources, formed the CEC. This association provides laws protecting individuals with disabilities in the education system. To this day, the CEC fights for fair policies, standards, and professional development of these individuals. The CEC mandates that those with disabilities should be in classrooms with non-disabled peers as much as physically possible. Link -
A defining moment in U.S History, as the Supreme Court decided that all children have the right to education, equally. While this was racially motivated, in hopes of destroying the "separate but equal" ideology, it applies just as much to students with disabilities, providing a framework for many cases and advocates to follow. After this, public law 85-926 was signed by President Eisenhower, allowing grants to special education students.
Link -
As a result of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the funding now expanded into adequate training of teachers. This taught teachers how to manage and give equal opportunity to children with disability. This act extended its process up to 1970, as it not only replaced the Elementary and Secondary Act, but provided a grant program for students to have a better environment, resource, and opportunity pool despite their disabilities. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was the first major acts that came to pass after Brown vs. Board of Education. This act provided funding for children with disabilities, and believed in environmental accommodations for them. This led them to opening a grant program to assure that these disadvantaged students had the same resources, and access to education as anyone else.
Youtube Link -
Mills vs. Dist. of Columbia Board of Education was a landmark case in the U.S for children to receive free and quality pedagogy. Its influence led to 36 more cases to follow after throughout the years. This act abolished anyone from having financial limitations in their education therefore allowing students with disabilities to be in a less restrictive environments with other students from different backgrounds and financial means.
Youtube Link -
This law led to revolutionary changes such as the implementation of IEP and IDEA. Through IEP, disabled individuals gained the right to equal due process. When it got revised in 1990 and 1997, it became IDEA which gave them the right to fair chances in the work environment, public transportation, and of course, revising of their due process. Overall, it provided guidance to all disabled individuals academically.
Link -
Every Student Succeeds Act, signed by President Obama, replaced the No Child Left Behind Act. It provides protection for disadvantaged or high-need children. It also pushes the standards for these students higher, preparing them for high education, as well as statewide assessments, that provide statistical, free information for educators and families of these students. Overall, higher-quality education and investments in accessible means to do so.
Link