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First American School for the deaf
In April 15, 1817 The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest permanent school for the deaf in the United States was founded. It was founded in Hartford, Connecticut by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. Gallaudet believed that it was his moral and spiritual responsibility to educate the disabled. https://www.asd-1817.org/about/asd-history -
First public special education class in the U.S is created
In 1896, the state Rhode Island opened the first public special education class in the U.S. This was the start of special education. Many of these special classes were taught by special teachers in order to educate people with disabilities. Institutions were created to teach this population. The frequency of students with disabilities increased as well as the special classes. -
The League of the Physically Handicapped in New York City was formed
The League of the Physically Handicapped in New York City was formed to protest discrimination by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The Home Relief Bureau of New York City stamped all applications with “PH” which stood for "physically handicapped." Members of the League held a sit-in at the Home Relief Bureau for nine days and a weekend sit-in at the WPA headquarters. This helped to create numerous jobs for handicap people. -
The National Association for Retarded Citizens was created
In 1950, The National Association for Retarded Citizens was founded. It helped identify children with disabilities and mental retardation and bring them out of their houses. -
Public Law 88-164, also called the Community Mental Health Act, became law in the U.S
On October 24, 1963, President Kennedy signed the first major legislation to combat mental illness and retardation. The amendment incorporated several recommendations and provided planning grants to update intellectual disabilities programs. It also increased funding for prevention through maternity and infant care.“ Mental retardation ranks with mental health as a major health, social, and economic problem in this country. It strikes our most precious asset, our children.” —John F. Kennedy -
The first special Olympics
On July 1968, the first Special Olympics competition was held in Chicago’s Soldier Field for young people with intellectual disabilities. The goal of this event was to put a bright and very public spotlight on ability, not disability. -
The Education for all Handicapped children Act
This was passed in 1975 and enacted in 1977 by President Gerald Ford. This is the foundation of today’s special education law, and known as the “Bill of rights” for students with disabilities and their families. Introduced the principles of: FAPE for children with disabilities 3 to 21 years old, protection of the rights of children with disabilities and their parents including due process, Individualized Education Program (IEP); least restrictive environment; and assisting States. -
Education for Handicap Children act
The Education for all Handicapped Children Act covered toddlers below age 3. This was an amendment the EHA did to include infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities. It includes an extension to children ages 3-5 and provides comprehensive early intervention for children and families from birth to 2 years. -
Public Law 101-476 Individuals with Disabilities Act
This law was an amendment to PL 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975). It changed name to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It required students have a transition plan by the age of 16 years, added social work and rehabilitation counseling as related services, and added autism and traumatic brain injury as disability categories. -
No Child Left behind Act 2001
On January 8, 2002 President Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, a sweeping reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since ESEA was enacted in 1965. "The purpose of this title is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging State academic achievement standards and state academic assessments". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0--2nhsDorg
