Special Education History Timeline

By Jo Ann
  • Period: to

    Influencial Events of Special Education

  • Establishment of the Perkins School for the Blind

    This school set a precedent for future specialized education for students with disabilities.I selected this event because it paved the way for all future schools.
  • Establishment of the American Association on Mental Deficiency (AAIDD)

    AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities. Promotes universal human rights for individuals with disabilities. I selected this event because it addressed the need to educate professionals working with individuals with disabilities.
  • Establishment of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

    The CEC provides ethical guidance to special education teachers though professional principles, practice standards, and professional policies. It sets as an example how to respect diversity and needs of individuals with disabilities. I selected the CEC becaus it is the moral compass for special education teachers.
  • Brown v. Board of Education

    This case paved the way for equal opportunity for all, regardless of sex, race, age, or mental capacity. The decision made in this case was used in future court cases to provide education for people with disabilities who were previously denied this right. The premise of Brown v Board of Education was focused on the rights of all students to get an education, regardless of race, sex, age, or mental capacity. I selected this event because it set a precedent for future court cases.
  • Establishment of the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)

    The LDA aims for all individuals with disabilities to be educated, supported, and empowered to live a self-determined life. I selected this event because it was the start of RTI with its goal to improve early identification and use of evidence-based intervention.
  • Passage of Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    This was the first civil rights act which protected people with disabilities from discrimination. It affirms their rights to receive federal assistance and employment. I selected this event because paved the way for the ADA and is the foundation for the creation of special education.
  • Introduction of the Least Restrictive Environment Principles (LRE)

    LRE guides where and how special education services will be provided. It improves learning and communication skills for both students with disabilities and those without disabilities. I selected this event because LRE is invaluable for students with disabilities because it gives them more opportunites to learn and interact with their peers.
  • Passing of the Education of all Handicapped Children Act (EHA)

    The EHA provided education for all children of disabilities. Prior to EHA, only 1 child out of 5 with disabilities were provided education. I selected this event because it was the first to mandate that all public schools provide special education and accommodations to students with disabilities.
  • Passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    This law made sure that all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. This includes employment, as a consumer, and accessibility in government programs. I selected this event because it was the first to prohibit employers from discriminating against people with disabilities by not hiring them.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) enacted

    Initially the EHA, this act continued to protect the rights of children with disabilities as well as adding autism and including transition services to the IEP. I selected this event because special education today is based on the laws in this act.
  • No Child Left Behind (NCLB) signed into law

    This law increased the graduation rate of children with specific learning disabilities and forced schools to focus on disadvantaged kids. Although controversial, I selected this event because it forced schools to be accountable for providing education to disadvantaged students who needed support.
  • Introduction of Response to Intervention (RTI) framework

    A practice that starts with intervention when a student is struggling. The key to RTI is to identify these students and intervene before they fall too far behind. I selected this event because the process of RTI helps to reduce the need for a student to receive special education services.