Milestones in the History of Special Education and Inclusive Education in the United States

By KathrynCueto

  • American School for the Deaf Founded

    American School for the Deaf Founded
    • The first school for the deaf in the U.S., established by Thomas Gallaudet, initiated formal education for students with disabilities.

  • Perkins School for the Blind

    Perkins School for the Blind
    Founded by John Dixwell Shattuck, Perkins was the first school for the blind in the U.S. It pioneered teaching methods like raised letters and braille. PERKINS SCHOOL WEBSITE: https://www.perkins.org  

  • Pennsylvania Training School for Feeble-Minded Children

    Pennsylvania Training School for Feeble-Minded Children
    Established by James B. Richards, one of the earliest U.S. institutions for educating children with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing vocational and life skills.

  • Civil Administration of Revolutionary Areas by Alemseged Wedajo

    Alemseged Wedajo established Ethiopia's first public school for children with disabilities, a model for the country's special education programs.

  • Brown v. Board of Education

    This Supreme Court ruling against racial segregation in public schools laid groundwork for later inclusive education laws for students with disabilities.

  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

    Provided federal funding for educating disadvantaged students, including those with disabilities, through the Title VI grant program.

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funds, including public schools, promoting inclusion.

  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
    • This law mandated free and appropriate public education for all children with disabilities, ensuring access to education tailored to their needs.

  • Amendments to the EHA

    Introduced "continuum of placements" and reinforced least restrictive environment concept for educating students with disabilities in general classrooms.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • The ADA prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities in public life and education.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    • IDEA enhanced educational provisions for individuals with disabilities, focusing on tailored educational plans and inclusion.

  • No Child Left Behind Act

    This act reinforced accountability in education, aiming to improve educational outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities. NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0--2nhsDorg&pp=ygUhdmlkZW8gb24gbm8gY2hpbGQgbGVmdCBiZWhpbmQgbGF3