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First School for Mentally Retarted Students
1839 - Edouard Seguin develops the first school for children with mental retardation in Paris, France. Seguin believed that mental retardation was a result of a "weakness of the nervous system." His method of treatment included exercises to help develop the muscular system in hopes that as students strengthen their bodies, they would gain control of their nervous system. His goal was to help his students function in everyday society.
Edward Seguin (April 2, 2008). New World Encyclop -
Presidential Committee on Mental Retardation formed
This committee was formed under the Presidency of John F Kennedy. The goal of the committee was to advise the president of the best ways to meet the needs of US citizens who were Mentally Retarded. This committee made a number of recommendations to the president that opened the door to new federal initiatives, which included how schools could best provide opportunities for disabled students. (Wood, 2006, p. 6) -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act Amendments of 1965
These amendments "authorized the first state-level grant program specifically for children and youth with disabilities." (Wood, 2006, p.6) With this legislation came the implementation of "Title 1" programs. The Title program distributes federal funds through state agencies which then disperse to local schools.
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (July 19, 2012). Wikipedia. Retrieved September 23, 2012 from http://en -
Bureau of the Handicapped Developed
This bureau was formed within the US Department of Education to "administer funds for research, education and training in special education." This agency was later renamed the Office of Special Education Programs. (Wood, 2006, p.6) -
Rehabilitation Act Amendment Section 504 legislation passed
This amendment provided that all individuals with disabilities were allowed the civil right to an education. These individuals could not be discriminated against. This act required schools to ensure disabled students received a free and appropriate education. Schools utilize the content of this act to better assist students who would otherwise not be eligible for special education services as their disability may not necessarily affect their ability in the classroom. (Wood, 2006) -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This act mandated what educational services were to be provided to children with disabilities. States were required to follow these mandates in order to receive federal funding to support these programs. This act was subsequently renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) -
Amendment to IDEA
IDEA is amended to include Traumatic Brain Injuries and Autism Spectrum Disorders as recognized disabilites for inclusion in the act. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This act ensures that school districts allow for all students to have equal physical access to the buildings, technology and resources. The ADA also supports the inclusion of these students within the classroom setting (Wood, 2006, p. 19) -
No Child Left Behind Act
The NCLB act required states to "develop standards for grades" three through twelve in specific academic areas. Schools are required to meet standards or run the risk of loosing important funding if they fail to meet annual yearly progress. (Wood, 2006)
