History of Special Education 1800's to Today

By bcutler
  • Perkins School for The Blind Established

    Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this was the first school in the United States whose priority was to provide education for students who had a visual impairment. Used as an example for other schools who were going to provide specialized education.
  • American Association on Mental Deficiency Established

    The goal of this organization was to help others understand people with disabilities. This also lead to improvements in special education.
  • Establishment of the Council for Exceptional Children

    The goal was to improve the education and welfare of children who have a disability or who are gifted. Advocacy for the rights of these students and giving access to professional development opportunities were some outcomes.
  • Brown v, Board of Education

    This court case proved that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Provided legal backing for speaking out against discrimination against students with disabilities.
  • Passage of Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    Programs that received federal funding were not allowed to discrimate based on disabilites. Aimed for equal oppurtunities for indiviudals with disabilities.
  • Introduction of the Least Restrictive Enviroment Princile

    Inclusive practices, meaning that student's with disabilitleis should be educated alongside their general education peers as much as possible.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    This Act promised equal education for children with disabilities. Public schools required to provide service that gave all students equal access to education.
  • IDEA

    Emphasizes the importance of Free and Appropriate Public Education for all. Placed value in indivual educatin plans, parental unvolvemnt, and inclusive practices.
  • Introduction of UDL Framework

    Access to education for students with different learning needs. Provide a variety of ways to emphasize the variability in the types of learning in a single classroom.
  • Olmstead v L.C.

    This case proved that the segregation of people with disabilities violates their rights.
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    Created to improve educational outcomes for all students. Provided more opportunities for school choice. School standards and holding schools accountable for the education of their students, including those with disabilities.
  • Confirmation of the UN Convection on Disability Rights by countries (CRPD)

    Goal was to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including their rights to access education.