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Society viewed people with disabilities as a menace. Edouard Seguin worked at a school for "idiots". He believed there were benefits "in treating mental retardation". There weren't many laws at this time, and many with disabilities were institutionalized.
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A popular belief during the early 1900's was that disabilities, referred to as "mental retardation" at that time, were genetic. Institutions were promoted.
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Those who were thought to be "feebleminded" were beginning to get noticed. Professionals began to see how education affected them. SPED was available, but mainly in large cities.
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This time put a hold on the progress that was taking place regarding people with disabilities. Financial strain forced many disabled to be institutionalized.
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The parents started a national movement. Due to this movement, people started to talk about their disabled family, without shame and guilt.
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Kennedy had a plan to "combat mental retardation". The misconception that can with disabilities began to ease.
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This prompted funds and training towards gaining a better understanding of disabilities.
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This was a law requiring free education for all kids, even ones with exceptionalities.
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The EHA was amended and the name was changed to "Individuals with Disabilities Act"
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