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American School Deaf.
The American School for the Deaf was founded by T. Gallaudet and L. Clerc, on April 15, 1817, in Hartford CT. Originally named CT Asylum for the Ed. & Instruction of Deaf & Dumb Persons. It was the first school in the U.S. to provide students with hearing impairment an education. Later it played a pivotal role in the development of Sign Language, transforming the way deaf children learn and communicate, across the nation.https://youtu.be/dZvRVrXIgB8?si=J2UJgqhkB8bdRx5H -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The CEC was founded on April 6, 1922, by Elizabeth Farrell. It addresses the educational and developmental needs of children with exceptionalities by ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources. Established professional standards for educators, and public awareness and promoted EBP. The CEC was pivotal in advocating student rights and shaping future policies and educational practices. https://exceptionalchildren.org/professional-preparation-standards -
The Association for Retarded Citizens known as ARC.
ARC was founded on January 1, 1950. Parents and citizens originally formed it to advocate for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ARC focuses on promoting civil rights, providing necessary services, and building a supportive community for people with disabilities. They have contributed to reforms, promoted public awareness, and advocated for equal opportunities for all people with disabilities. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act Section 504
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act Section 504 was signed into law on September 26, 1973. It made it illegal to discriminate based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, and different public services. It also requires schools and organizations to provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities. -
Education All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The EAHCA was signed into Law on November 29, 1975, by President Ford. This legislation was enacted to ensure children with mental and physical disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education. Public schools must provide students with specialized education that meets their unique needs and a free meal a day. Before this law, many children were excluded from the public school system or did not receive specialized educational services -
Hendrick Hudson Central School v. Rowley
The Hendrick Hudson School v Rowley of 1982, involved a deaf student, whose parents argued she needed a sign language interpreter to receive a free public education as mandated by EHA. The Supreme Court ruled that schools must provide access to education that allows students with disabilities to benefit from it. Although this case did not result in a new law, it clarified the obligations of public schools under EHA. -
Assistive Technology Act (ATA)
The Assistive Technology Act was initially signed into law on October 25, 1988. This act provides grants to the state for technology-related assistance for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The ATA also provides services designed to enhance the ability of people with disabilities to access technology in education, employment, and daily living activities to increase their independence. -
The Florida Consent Decree FL
The Florida Consent Decree became law on August 14, 1990, it ensures that English Language Learners(ELL) students receive appropriate educational services. Although the law specifically targets ELL students, occasionally students may fall into both the categories of ELL and special education services. It ensures they receive appropriate educational support and resources for their success. https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7582/urlt/consent-decree.pdf -
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) FL
The ESE law in Florida was signed into law on July 1, 2013, bringing changes to how special education services are provided. The law protects the rights of students and their parents in many areas such parents’ right to bring another adult to IEP meetings, obtain consent for any decision that can affect their child, and support collaboration between private therapists and school personnel. It aims to make education an inclusive and supportive environment for students with disabilities. -
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA was signed into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA is designed to help increase workforce employment, training, education, and support services for those with barriers to employment. This act replaced the Workforce Act of 1998, improving federal workforce programs. It also supports pre-employment transition services and transition youth programs to succeed in today’s workforce.