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The Connecticut Asylum for the Deaf and “Dumb Persons,” opened in Hartford in 1817. This was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States. Founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, Laurent Clerc, and Dr. Mason Cogswell, it introduced French Sign Language along with local signs, which became the foundation of American Sign Language (ASL). The school marked a turning point in education for the deaf, offering learning, community, and recognition for deaf people in America. -
Perkins School for the Blind, located in Watertown, Massachusetts, was the first ever school created for the blind, visually impaired and deaf blind. This school was founded by Dr. John Dix Fisher and was established in 1829. Some notable figures that attended and graduated this school were Laura Bridgman, Helen Keller, and Anne Sullivan. Timetoast -
The Arc first began in the 1950s by parent groups who sought for more education and research on their children’s disabilities. It was the first organization that funded re search towards developmental and intellectual disabilities. Throughout the years, The Arc’s advocacy brought representation towards those with disabilities and even resulted in the enactment of accessible healthcare and laws. The Arc’s mission is to promote and protect human rights of those with disabilities and community. -
Brown v. Board of Education (1954) was a landmark Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The Court ruled that “separate but equal” facilities were inherently unequal, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson. This decision became a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement, paving the way for desegregation across the United States and promoted inclusion for all.
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Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, an amendment (P.L. 89-750) was passed. This amendment created a grant program to assist schools (by states or locally) in providing education for children with disabilities. Funds were granted for students with disabilities of ages 3-21. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act requires that schools must evaluate a student’s needs and develop an IEP plan to meet their needs. This Act also enacted free education for all handicapped children. The EAHCA Act promoted Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) where disabled students can now learn and engage with non-disabled students. -
This landmark case was filed on January 7, 1971 by the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) against the Pennsylvania Board of Education. Parents, under PARC, claimed that certain state laws were unconstitutional since they prohibited students with mental disabilities from accessing free education. In 1972 the case was settled and Pennsylvania agreed to provide free public education to individuals with mental disabilities. In 1982, the proposed settlement agreement passed. -
The American Disabilities Act was a law passed to ensure that all individuals are treated with equality. This included schools, jobs, transportation, and etc…. The main goal of this law was to ensure that people with disabilities were offered the same opportunities and rights as every other group of citizens. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act enforced that children with disabilities receive free education and services that meet their needs until age 21. This law established that students with disabilities can be educated with their non-disabled peers. In other words, students with disabilities had least restrictive environment. -
The No Child Left Behind Act was passed and signed by former President George W. Bush in 2002. This act aimed to bridge the gap in education towards disadvantaged students (i.e low income, disabilities, etc….) Schools are now expected to standardize test every year to measure what reading and math levels students are at and provide resources. The goal of this act is to improve educational outcomes for students, with attention to those disadvantaged.