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Establishment of the American School for the Deaf
The first permanent school for the deaf in the United States was founded in Hartford, Connecticut, by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. This is an important first step for all students with disabilities to receive an education. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The Supreme Court ruling that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. This decision laid the groundwork for future legislation concerning the rights of students with disabilities. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA
The ESEA provided federal funding for primary and secondary education and aimed to improve the education of disadvantaged students, including those with disabilities. With federal funding, schools can provide a better education for students with disabilities and with this act students with disabilities would be more welcome in schools. -
Rehabilitation Act (Section 504):
This law prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance, including schools. This law meant that students with disabilities would be treated fairly. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
Also known as Public Law 94-142, this act mandated free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities. FAPE continues to be a very important part of special education in assuring the appropriate education for students with disabilities. -
Handicapped Children's Protection Act
This act amended the EAHCA to provide parents with the right to seek legal fees if they won their case regarding the education of their child with disabilities. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination by local and state governments, and provides standards for businesses and commercial facilities. It also ensures equal access to healthcare, social services, transportation, and telecommunications for people with disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Reauthorization and expansion of EAHCA, ensuring special education and related services to children with disabilities. It also introduced the concept of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). IEPs continue to guide the appropriate education for students with disabilities. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
This act reauthorized the ESEA and aimed to close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice, providing special education students with better educational opportunities. -
IDEA Reauthorization
Amendments to IDEA that emphasized accountability and improved educational outcomes for students with disabilities, aligning with NCLB standards -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Replaced NCLB, giving states more authority to develop their accountability systems while maintaining protections for students with disabilities.