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School for the Deaf and Dumb
In 1817, the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, later known as the American School for the Deaf (ASD), became the first public special education school in the U.S. Established in Hartford, Connecticut, it provided tailored education for students who were deaf or hard of hearing, setting a precedent for specialized institutions catering to diverse needs. -
Perkins School for the Blind Established
Founded in 1848, the Perkins School for the Blind, located in Watertown, Massachusetts, became the inaugural school dedicated to the education of students with visual impairments. It marked a significant step in recognizing the importance of specialized education for individuals with specific disabilities, contributing to the development of the field of special education. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The landmark Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. Shattering the legal basis for racial segregation and fostering a societal shift towards inclusive education. This case set a precedent for equal educational opportunities, laying the groundwork for later inclusion efforts. This influential decision underscored the broader pursuit of equality in educational opportunities. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, enacted in 1973, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. This includes public schools. Under Section 504, students with disabilities are entitled to accommodations and modifications that allow them to participate fully in educational programs. This supports the concept of inclusion by promoting equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities. -
Education for all Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was amended for toddlers below the age of 3, addressing the needs of infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities. Prior to federal legislation, parents had to educate their children at home or pay for private education. A more detailed overview of EACHA -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, public services, and education. ADA's Title II specifically addresses the rights of individuals with disabilities in public education, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities and reasonable accommodations. Commemorating 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. IDEA mandates that students with disabilities have the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means they should have opportunities to learn and participate in general education classrooms alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act was a federal law that aimed to improve educational outcomes for all students. With an emphasis on increased funding and new measures to hold schools accountable, teachers also needed to be well educated. While its primary focus was on accountability and standardized testing, it indirectly influenced inclusive education by highlighting the need for schools to address the achievement gaps among various student groups, including those with disabilities. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA is a federal law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act. It aims to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education. While its main focus is on academic standards and accountability, it encourages states to incorporate strategies that support diverse learners, including students with disabilities. -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
In 2017, the Supreme Court's decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District clarified the standard for providing students with disabilities with an appropriate education. The ruling emphasized the need for a more meaningful educational benefit, raising the bar for the quality of educational services for students with disabilities. The PDF document for this Supreme Court case