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In 1817 the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb was established in Hartford, Connecticut. Now it is called the American School for the Deaf. This was the first special education school in the United States. Children were learning all types of trades such as sewing, carpentry and cooking. -
The Learning Disabilities Association of America has a mission to create opportunities for all individuals affected by learning disabilities. They have a vision for a world where all learning disabilities are understood and all individuals are accepted, empowered and supported. Their goal is to protect the rights of all the individuals with learning disabilities and encourage ongoing research to develop the best type of intervention strategies. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act brought education commitment to equal access to quality education, no matter what the family’s income was. This program distributed funding to schools and to the schools with low-income families. It was designed to close the gap in writing, mathematic and reading between the low-income household and those children from the middle-class households. This law also included provisions for free and reduced lunches in lower income communities. -
Congress launched an investigation into the status of children with disabilities. They found millions of children were not receiving education that was appropriate to them. Members of congress wrote that taxpayers will spend billions of dollars over the lifetimes of these individuals to be able to live a somewhat acceptable lifestyle and continue to be dependents. With proper education services these individuals would be able to not only be independent but also live a proper life. -
The Vocational Rehabilitation act defined handicapped person and appropriate education. This law also prohibits discrimination of disabilities in programs that are receiving federal financial assistance and in federal employments. This law requires federal agencies to provide technology to be accessible to those with disabilities not only the members of public but also employees. -
The Education for all Handicapped Children's Act required students with disabilities to have an individualized education program specific for the student. This law required states to provide a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities ages five through eighteen. This is also the first defined least restrictive environment, an environment that is to the children’s benefit and will allow the student to succeed academically. -
In the case of Smith v Robinson, Tommy is a student with cerebral palsy. This case is about fighting for his education rights and inclusivity. Tommy’s school committee wanted to place him at Bradley Hospital for his condition without providing the funds. https://www.oyez.org/cases/1983/82-2120 -
This required states to extend free and appropriate education to disabled children ages three to five. The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments also ensures coverage of children with disabilities to include those with traumatic brain injuries or autism. It also established early intervention programs from birth to two years of age. -
This is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of life such as schools, transportation, jobs etc. This law was put into place to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It also defines the term disability to include those with AIDS. -
The Assistive Technology Act was instated back in 1998 then was reauthorized in 2004. This act provides technology to those with disabilities so they are able to participate in daily life such as education and employment. Under this law each U.S. state receives a grant to fund ATAP that provides services to those with disabilities for their whole lives.
https://www.umassglobal.edu/news-and-events/blog/special-education-laws -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act increased federal funds to provide early intervention for students. This way students can be diagnosed with a learning disability in a timely matter. The determination whether a student has a learning disability is done by the child’s parents and the multidisciplinary team. Special education teachers must be highly qualified in special education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIuTXwSJJeE