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Development of sign language
This was the first step to creating a system that would allow those with disabilities a chance to have a specialized program just for them. I believe this was the laying of the foundation for the road to modern legislation of special education.
(Teaching students in Inclusive Settings, Judy Wood, Page 5) -
Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court decision
This landmark school desegregation case made an impact on how students with special needs were integrated into schools. While there were no direct ties at the time of the court decision 1954 there was a lasting impact.
(Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings, Wood, 2006, Page 6) -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This state level program provided schools with funding grants for children with disabilities if the schools choose to have a special education program. This was the first funding program of any kind for special education, and was a step in the right direction for special education.
(Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings, Wood, 2006 Page 7) -
Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973
“This national law protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability.” This was a big step in making sure that those who had a disability would not be discriminated against or held back in any way.
(Peterson, J. (2007, July 17). A TIMELINE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION HISTORY. Retrieved September 22, 2012, from http://admin.fortschools.org/PupilServices/StaffInfo.htm) -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) is enacted.
”Before 1975, children with disabilities were mostly denied an education solely on the basis of their disabilities. EAHCA, along with some key Supreme Court cases, mandated all school districts to educate students with disabilities.” This act allowed students with disabilities a chance to attend school.
(Peterson, J. (2007, July 17). A TIMELINE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION HISTORY. Retrieved September 22, 2012, from http://admin.fortschools.org/PupilServices/StaffInfo.htm) -
The Americans with Disabilities Act
“This was a landmark in disability rights legislation.” This act helped further protect those who might be discriminated against for having a disability. This act not only paved the way for the future of those in school and those that were exiting the school system and entering the real world.
(Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings, Wood, 2006 Page 19) -
No Child Left Behind is enacted.
This law held the state more accountable for student’s progress in schools, especially those of disabled students, through a series of assessments. This law was a revitalization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act which is very important since we may have forgotten the goals of this act of 1965. This is one of the most modern steps in the special education movement and I believe it helps set the stage for the future of special education.
(No Child Left Behind. http://www.edweek.org/ew
