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First Special Education Class
while the exact date/month is not known, in 1896, Rhode Island opened the first public Special Education Classroom. However, many other states did not join Rhode Island until 1918. -
Council for the Education of Exceptional Children
The CEC is an organization of educators dedicated to improving the success of children with disabilities. They accomplish this through advocacy, standards, and professional development. The council began with 12 members. Elizabeth E. Farrell was the Founder and first President, 1922-26. https://www.cec.sped.org/ -
John F. Kennedy and People W/Disabilities
On October 17, 1961, a mandate to prepare a plan to combat "mental retardation." Recommendations were presented to the President, one of which included education and preparation for employment. While years of work needed to be done, this was a major first step in assisting those with disabilities.
https://mn.gov/mnddc/parallels2/pdf/60s/63/63-ROT-PPMR.pdf -
Special Olympics Organization
In 1968, the Special Olympics began as a summer day camp formed by Sargent and Eunice Shriver (John F Kennedy's sister) in the backyard of their home. The first international Special Olympics game was held in Chicago. More than 4,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to be included in the joy of sports. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyX59LtClXE -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 required that access to programs and activities be funded by federal agencies. It required that individuals with disabilities be included in the work place. The act provides access to direct services to those with disabilities to help them become better equipped for the work place. This act influenced the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. -
Hollywood Shines a Light
Although not directly related to education, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, swept away the 48th Academy Awards. This film helped to shine a light on the horrors of institutionalization. Thus, providing people with knowledge about a scary situation. -
ADA
The American with Disabilities Act is the nations first civil rights law addressing the needs of those with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination in employment, schools, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. -
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was originally known as the Education of Handicapped Children Act, and was enacted by Congress in 1975. The act ensured that ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education, just like other children. The act reacquires that the education is tailored to each students' individual needs. In 1997 it was amended from its original act. -
No Child Left Behind
Signed by President George W. Bush. The act ensures that ensure that students in every public school achieve important learning goals while being educated in safe classrooms by well-prepared teachers highly qualified teachers. Since it was originally signed, it has been modified and replaced. -
ESSA
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a US law passed in December 2015 it replaces the NCLB act. It modified provisions relating to standardized testing given to students. ESSA allows states and schools districts to control more of the shots regarding testing and flexibility regarding tests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWQGmU-J80Q
