Special Education in America Timeline

By Holly Walls

  • American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb

    First Special Education School in America. Now called the Institute for the Deaf

  • The US mandated Compulsory Laws

    By 1918, ALL states have compulsory laws in place.

  • The Compulsory Education Law

    In Rhode Island, the law for all students to receive a compulsory education.
  • Presidents panel in Mental Retardation

    Presidents panel in Mental Retardation

    President JFK creates the Presidential Panel to aid the mentally impaired.

  • Education and Secondary Education Amendment Act

    Created Special Education programs
  • Mills vs. District of Columbia

    Mills vs. District of Columbia

    Law suit claiming over 18,000 children were excluded from public education without due process
  • Education Act for all handicapped children Public Law 94-142: IDEA

    Education Act for all handicapped children Public Law 94-142: IDEA

    IDEA

  • January 1, 1990: Public Law 101-476 called for significant changes to Public Law 94-142,