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Founded in Hartford, CT by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, this was the first permanent U.S. school for children with hearing impairments. It marked the beginning of formal special education in America and revealed that students with disabilities could thrive when given access to learning (Project IDEAL, n.d.). -
Louis Braille created a tactile alphabet for the blind, giving visually impaired students independent access to reading and writing. The system became revolutionary. It later spread across the U.S., revolutionizing literacy and proving that specialized tools were essential for inclusion (Education Encyclopedia, n.d.). -
Elizabeth Farrell and educators founded the CEC, the first professional organization centered on children with disabilities. It advanced advocacy, teacher training, and legislation, laying the foundation for professionalized special education (Wrightslaw, n.d.). -
The Supreme Court ruled racial segregation unconstitutional, declaring “separate is not equal.” This rule later influenced disability rights, reinforcing that students with disabilities also deserved equal educational opportunities (Vaughn et al., 2024). Video -
This case secured the right of children with intellectual disabilities to a free public education. It challenged schools that had excluded them and established the principle that all children, regardless of disability, deserved access (Project IDEAL, n.d.). -
Section 504 prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs. It was the first federal civil rights protection for people with disabilities and laid the foundation for IDEA and ADA (Education Encyclopedia, n.d.). Website -
Required public schools to provide FAPE to children with disabilities and introduced IEPs. It also required the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), making sure these students were included in general classrooms when possible (Wrightslaw, n.d.). -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was renamed IDEA, adding autism and TBI as categories and requiring transition planning. The ADA enabled civil rights protections in employment, transportation, and public spaces (Education Encyclopedia, n.d.). -
Built the requirement for students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum and participate in state assessments. It highlighted inclusion and accountability for meaningful academic progress (Vaughn et al., 2024). -
Today, special education emphasizes inclusion, equity, and individualized supports. IDEA and Section 504 remain the foundation, while schools focus on early intervention, assistive technology, and inclusive classrooms. Challenges with funding and equity continue, but the goal is to ensure all students excel in the least restrictive environment. Learn More