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First Specials Education School
This school was founded for the deaf and other disabilities such as emotional-behavioral. Thomas Gallaudet served as the school’s first principal until 1830. To 2016, over 4,000 students have graduated from the American School for the Deaf. -
Council for Exceptional Children
A small group of students who attended Teachers College at Columbia University in NY and their college professor founded the International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children. The Council began with 12 members. Elizabeth E. Farrell was the Founder and first President from 1922-1926. -
The Arc
The Arc becomes the first organization to put money into research on intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc is a leader among national disability groups to advocate for the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. The Arc is instrumental in defeating attempts by Congress to block grant and cap Medicaid. The Arc History -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
President Lyndon B. Johnson was a former teacher and he wanted equal access to education so children can become productive citizens. This act authorized the federal government to equalize educational opportunities for all children by directing federal education dollars to the most disadvantaged children living in poverty. This affected special education students because they were one of the groups of disadvantaged children. ESEA -
Section 504
Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that the child with a disability has equal access to education. The child may receive different accommodations and modifications that fit them. -
Education For All Handicapped Children Act
This act required all public schools accepting federal funds to provide equal access to education for children with physical and mental disabilities. Public schools were required to evaluate children with disabilities and create an educational plan with parents. This would create as closely as possible the educational experience of non-disabled students. -
National Center for Learning Disabilities
NCLD was founded in 1977 by Carrie and Pete Rozelle and their mission was to provide leadership, public awareness, and grants to support research and innovative practices in learning disabilities. In 1989, the organization evolved from a foundation into a nonprofit. More than 40 years later, NCLD continues to lead the field in innovation, research, and advocacy on a national level. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Education for All Handicapped Children Act has now changed to IDEA and this promised Congress to open public school doors for millions of children with disabilities and ensuring that children with disabilities have opportunities to develop their talents, share their gifts, and contribute to their communities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
President Obama signs into law a rewrite of the No Child Left Behind to Every Student Succeeds Act. This returns power to states and local districts to determine how to improve troubled schools. One of the goals to advanceing equity by upholding critical protections for America's disadvantaged and high-need students.
