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First Special Education Class
Rhode Island opened the first public special education class in the U.S. This was a big step that promoted new opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This historical event constituted an example of supporting and including individuals with disabilities in the educational system. -
Eugen Bleuler
Eugen Bleuler was a Swiss psychiatrist who used the word autism. He used the word autism to describe a subset of medical patients with Schizophrenia. Bleuler described "autism" as a disconnection that an individual has from the world around them. -
Social Control of the Mentally Deficient
A book written by Stanley P. Davies advocated the control and confinement of persons with disabilities. Davies maintained that this was necessary to protect their society.This book was against inclusion principles that today empower individuals with disabilities and promote their involvement in our society. -
Leo Kanner
Researchers in the United States, such as the Psychiatrist Leo Kanner, began to use the term autism. Kanner believed certain traits describe autism. He identified some characteristics, such as difficulty with social and communication skills, resistance to change, and distinctive behavioral patterns. -
Hans Asperger
Hans Asperger described a "milder" form of autism as Asperger's Syndrome. Initially, it was considered a different disorder. However, now it is part of the broader umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals with asperger's syndrome have difficulties with social interaction. -
President's Panel on Mental Retardation
President John F. Kennedy established the President's Panel on Mental Retardation. This panel raised awareness of the need to improve services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It also promoted research studies and advocated for the rights of these individuals. -
Hope for Retarded Children
The article "Hope for Retarded Children," written by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, brought national attention to the acceptance and the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. The article was based on her personal experience with her sister Rosemary. This article helped to raise awareness to provide better services for people with intellectual disabilities. -
Autism Society of America
The Autism Society of America was established in 1965 and supports people with autism spectrum disorder and their families. It also promotes research to use best practices that increase the quality of life of those on the spectrum. The Autism Society of America supports initiatives that facilitate access for individuals with autism to join the workforce. autismsociety
Check the link to get information about programs for individuals with autism. -
Bruno Bettelheim
Psychologist Bruno Bettelheim supported the theory that "refrigerator mothers" caused autism by not loving their children enough. This theory was discarded. Scientific research found that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with a genetic etiology. -
Special Olympics
The Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The games took place in Chicago. This was a landmark event that brought athletes with intellectual disabilities from the U.S. and Canada. Special Olympics
Check the link to watch a video about the history of Special Olympics. -
Mills v. Board of Education
In the case of Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia, the District Court ruled that students with disabilities have the right to a free public education. These individuals' education could not be denied based on the cost of the accommodations that they should receive. The Court also mandated that the education should be appropriate to their learning capacities. -
PARC v. Pennsylvania
In the PARC v. Pennsylvania case, the court ruled that the state could not deny an individual's right to education based on an intellectual or developmental disability status. It mandated that these individuals have the right to access public education. The court also gave parents specific rights. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funds. It also mandates equal access for these individuals in areas such as education and employment. Additionally, Section 504 ensures that students with disabilities can access individualized accommodations and modifications in education. -
Educational Amendments Act
The Educational Amendments Act established the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). It tackled issues of equal educational opportunities.
It also introduced the Education of the Handicapped Amendments, expanding funding for the education of individuals with disabilities and mandating that states must provide free and appropriate education
for these individuals. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHCA), now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensured that all children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education FAPE). It also defines the least restrictive environment and the individualized educational plan. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act emphasized the need to educate children with disabilities with their non-disabled peers as much as possible. -
Folstein and Rutter Medical Study
A landmark study of twins by Susan Folstein and Michael Rutter revealed that autism was connected to genetics and biological differences in brain development. This study was conducted on 21 twin pairs. They noticed that when one member of identical twins has autism, the second individual has a higher probability of having the disorder than when the twins were not identical. -
Autism classified
Autism was classified as a developmental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III). The DSM-III classified autism as a disorder that was separated from schizophrenia. This classification helped to make a more accurate diagnosis of individuals in the spectrum. -
Education of Handicapped Act Amendments
The Education of Handicapped Act Amendments expanded early intervention programs from birth to 2 years old. States should provide an appropriate and free public education to students with disabilities ages 3-5. It also mandated services for pre-schoolers and early intervention services for infants. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ensured that individuals with disabilities had equal rights and prohibited discrimination against them. It also mandated accommodations for employees with disabilities. Additionally, guaranteed the removal of structural barriers that could limit their access to a good quality of life in their communities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Act established that children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). It also mandated that states provide special education and related services to eligible students with disabilities, ages 3 to 21. The law also added autism and traumatic brain injury as disability categories. As a result, children with autism started receiving the appropriate services based on their needs. IDEA
Check the link to learn more. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997, general education teachers can collaborate with special education teachers in the IEP process and provide services to students with disabilities who participate in the general education environment. These students can take all state and district-wide assessments. The IEP team should also plan for the transition of these students to post-secondary programs, as well as vocational training and employment programs. -
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) emphasized the importance of educational outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities. The law required the states to raise the standards and expectations for all students without exception. Schools are required to report all students' performance. -
IDEA Improvement Act
The Act highlighted the importance of qualified special teachers and research-based instructional practices. It also increased early intervention funding and alternative approaches to identifying learning disabilities. The six principles remain the same: Free Appropriate Public Education, Appropriate Evaluation, Individualized Education Program, Least Restrictive Environment, Parent and Student Participation, and Procedural Safeguards. IDEA