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American School for the Deaf founded
In 1817, the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb was opened. It is now called the American School for the Deaf. It was the first special education school in the United States and it was established in Hartford, Connecticut. Because this institution was created, more began to open across the country and public schools began incorporating special education classes into their systems. -
Council for Exceptional Children
In 1922, the Council for Exceptional Children was organized. It is now the major professional organization of special educators across the US. It was established as a professional organization of educators whose goal is to help children with exceptionalities succeed. Members spend time trying to advocate for improved government policies and professional standards that will benefit these youths.
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Little Keswick School founded
Little Keswick School was founded by Robert and Elizabeth Wilson in Keswick, Virginia in 1963. This school was created to help boys ages 9 to 17 with special needs work on academic success, as well as social and emotional development. The school places a large emphasis on ensuring that students' families are involved so they can practice positive behaviors. As years went on, they expanded their facilities and even included a gymnasium, outdoor black top, and a soccer field. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of PA
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was a case in which the PARC sued the commonwealth of Pennsylvania over a law that gave public schools the right to deny a free appropriate public education to children who had not yet reached a mental age of 5 years old by the time they reached the first grade. This case was the first major one in the legal history of the United States to provide equality to students with disabilities. -
EAHCA of 1975
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was enacted on this day. Congress wanted all children with disabilities to have a right to education, and that schools may be held accountable for providing educational services for all children with handicap. The law focuses on ensuring children are getting the education they have the right to receive. Here is a website to learn more on the EAHCA Link text -
National Center for Learning Disabilities
National Center for Learning Disabilities, or NCLD, was founded in 1977 by Carrie and Pete Rozelle. It was first called the Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities. The mission of this organization is to bring public awareness to research and innovation in regards to learning disabilities. It provides leadership opportunities as well for those with learning disabilities who are seeking them. In 1989, NCLD switched from a foundation to a nonprofit organization. -
National Organization of Disability
The National Organization on Disability, or NOD, was founded in 1982. It provides an improvement to the amount of employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities. The programs and services allow companies to understand the benefits of hiring employees with disabilities. It is the first organization in the United States to be inclusive of all people with a disability, regardless of the type. -
No Child Left Behind Act 2001
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was put in place by Congress. It allowed for Title I sessions to apply to disabled and disadvantaged students. This act encouraged setting high standards so that students could be challenged to reach them. The No Child Left Behind Act required states to create standardized tests for certain subject areas. To receive federal school funding, states had to give these assessments to all students at select grade levels. -
NASET was founded
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is a national membership organization that gives as much support as possible for teachers in the special education field. NASET was created as an association for former, current, and future special education teachers. It helps provide information and resources that educators may find useful. NASET develops and promotes professional excellence through the support of teachers who provide services to children with special needs. -
IDEA of 2004
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was changed on December 3, 2004. In the amendments to IDEA, Congress mandated that there be more focus on accountability and improved outcomes. They intend to do this by emphasizing reading, early intervention, and research-based instruction. It is required that special education teachers be highly qualified in their field.