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1817 – The American Asylum for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb was the first residential school in the U.S. It was the first school of special education and was located in Hartford, CT. A total of seven students were enrolled in the first year. The definition of dumb as the time referred to being unable to speak. The school provided instruction in math, reading, writing, geography, history, and the bible. Rev. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was the principal.
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1848 - Samuel Gridley Howe establishes the Massachusetts School for Idiotic and Feeble Minded Children. The school was later named The Walter E. Fernald State School after the school’s first superintendent. The school was started with $2,500 from the state.
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1876 – Edouard Seguin helps to organize the first professional association concerned with disabilities (mental retardation). This organization was known as the Association of Medical Officers of American Institutions for Idiotic and Feebleminded Persons. Today the organization is known as American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
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1897 - National Education Association establishes a section for teachers of children with disabilities.
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1922- The International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children is organized by a group of administrators and supervisors attending the summer session at Teachers College, Columbia University, and their faculty members on August 10, 1922. The Council begins with 12 members. Elizabeth E. Farrell was the Founder and first President, 1922-26.
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1950- The Arc was created by a grassroots movement of families working together to create services for children and adults who were being denied day care, educational opportunities and work programs. The Arc has could support parents and children with advocacy through federal legislation. It currently includes different chapters in different states ranging from small voluntary groups to professional organizations.
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1965- The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was signed into law on April, 9 1965. The act provides funds for primary and secondary education and emphasizes the need for high standards and accountability. The act provides money for professional development, instructional materials, and resources to support educational programs. The law also promotes the involvement of parents. Watch this YouTube video for more information. https://youtu.be/4okt6u6OEkg
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1973- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. It was one of the first U.S. federal civil rights laws offering protection for people with disabilities. Section 504 forbids organizations and employees from excluding or denying individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
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1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) is passed. This landmark legislation ensures a free and appropriate public education for all children with disabilities The Education of All Handicapped Children Act was signed into law by President Gerald Ford as an amendment of the Education for All Handicapped Act of 1974. (also known as Public Law 94-142). https://youtu.be/68ea4FWAzq8
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1990- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. This civil rights legislation prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life. ADA was modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
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1997 – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL 105-117) is reauthorized, providing a major retooling and expansion of services for students with disabilities and their families. President Clinton signed amendments to the Act that focused on improving the education of children with disabilities by identifying children with disabilities before they enter school and provide services.
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2001- The major focus of No Child Left Behind is to close student achievement gaps by providing all children with a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was a U.S. Act of Congress that reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The act included Title I provisions for disadvantaged students. It was signed into law on Jan 8, 2002 by George Bush.
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2004- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) is a United States law that mandates equity, accountability and excellence in education for children with disabilities. It was signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 3, 2004. IDEA 2004 made several significant changes to the Individualized Education Program.
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https://youtu.be/zWQGmU-J80Q
Like the No Child Left Behind Act, ESSA is a reauthorization of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which established the federal government's expanded role in public education. The Every Student Succeeds Act passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support. ESSA put an end to No Child Left Behind Act.
