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American School for the Deaf opens
On April 15 1817, the American School for the Deaf opened in Hartford, Connecticut. This was the first permanent school for children with disabilities in the United States. It was founded by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, who helped pioneer education for the deaf. This school marked the beginning of formal special education in the U.S., offering a model that would influence other institutions for decades. -
Gallaudet University is Chartered
Gallaudet University, originally called the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, was the first college for the deaf and hard of hearing. It was officially chartered by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Gallaudet has become a central institution for Deaf culture and education. -
Watson v. City of Cambridge
In Watson v. City of Cambridge (1893), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld a school district’s decision to exclude a student with significant cognitive and physical disabilities. The court ruled that the boy's condition made it “impossible” for him to benefit from public education and that his presence was a potential disruption. This case reflected the early belief that some children were "uneducable". -
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is Founded
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was established in 1922 by a group of educators. Their mission was to improve educational outcomes for children with disabilities. Today, CEC remains one of the largest and most influential advocacy and professional organizations in special education. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Though not directly a special education case, the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This landmark case laid the foundation for future rulings that children with disabilities also had a right to equal educational opportunities. It emphasized that all students should be included in public education. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) case was a major legal victory that guaranteed the right to education for children with intellectual disabilities. The court ruled that children with disabilities could not be denied public education and were entitled to individualized instruction. This case set a precedent that influenced national policies. -
Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia
In this case, the court ruled that students with disabilities could not be excluded from public education due to the cost of accommodations. This ruling emphasized the importance of equal access and the need for schools to provide appropriate services. Along with the PARC case, Mills helped inspire federal legislation. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The EAHCA (Public Law 94-142) guaranteed free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for all students with disabilities. It also introduced the concept of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This act marked a turning point in U.S. special education, ensuring rights and services for millions of children. Learn more about this landmark law in this short IDEA video from Teachings in Education. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA was passed in 1990, updating and expanding EAHCA. It emphasized person-first language and added categories such as autism and traumatic brain injury. IDEA continues to be the most significant federal law guiding special education today, ensuring FAPE, LRE (least restrictive environment), and procedural safeguards.
For more details, visit the U.S. Department of Education's IDEA site. -
IDEA Amendments
The 1997 amendments to IDEA focused on improving inclusion and accountability. Students with disabilities were now expected to participate in standardized testing and receive access to the general curriculum. These changes promoted higher expectations and more inclusive school practices. -
IDEA Reauthorization
The 2004 reauthorization of IDEA passed with Bipartisan support, helps states furnish early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays. It is aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act and increased accountability for results and required schools to use research-based instruction. It also introduced the Response to Intervention (RTI) model to help identify and support struggling students early. -
ADA Amendments Act
The 2008 ADA Amendments expanded the definition of disability, protecting more students under anti-discrimination laws. It clarified that temporary or less visible impairments are also covered. This act helped ensure broader accessibility in schools and public facilities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind and provided states with more control over education policy, while maintaining a strong emphasis on accountability and equity. It includes provisions that support students with disabilities and encourages inclusive education practices. ESSA reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring all students, regardless of ability, can succeed.