History of Special Education Timeline By LGKAYE Period: 1800 to 1900 The 1800's - The Enlightenment Period In 1890 -States responsibility to provide institutions for special education 1897 NEA forms the Department of Special Education NEA (National Education Association) forms the Department of Special Education (History of Special Education, n.d.) Period: 1900 to 2000 1900 - 2000