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Jean Marc Gaspard Itard
An accomplished surgeon who worked at the National Institute for Deaf-Mutes. Techniques and willingness to advocate was influential to training and education programs of the time. One of his cases were cited 60 years later to describe what is now known as Tourette's Syndrome. https://www.museumofdisability.org/exhibits/past/pantheon-of-disability-history/jean-marc-gaspard-itard/ -
Philippe Pinal
He was considered the founder of psychiatry. He favored the moral treatment method that included the removal of restraints. He believed people with disabilities were ineducable. -
Edouard Seguin
Established the first school to educate those with intellectual disabilities. He emphasized learning through movement. -
Samuel Howe
Due to his actions, new methods were created in educating blind and deaf children. The Perkins Institute would have the teacher, Anne Sullivan, who would learn the techniques needed to teach Helen Keller. -
John Edward Wallace Wallin
Co-authored a resolution discouraging psychological testing by unqualified professionals. He founded special education departments in several universities and schools.
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John F. Kennedy
Signed legislation that gave the nation the first steps in a "community-based system of supports" for the special education population.
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Lyndon Johnson
Part of the President's "great society" legislation included resources to help children with disabilities.
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IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires children be educated with non-disabled peers to the fullest extent possible.
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