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School For The Deaf
The school was founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudetin 1817. This was the first school to address special needs in the United States. Several educators received training and helped aide several students all over the country. https://www.asd-1817.org/about/history--cogswell-heritage-house -
Deaf-Mute College Started
Also, known as Gallaudet University, its primary focus was the education of the deaf and mute. The institution started with only 13 students. In March 1988, they appointed their first deaf President over the University. -
Beattie v. Board of Education Wisconsin
Mistreatment of students with disabilities was very common. Students could get expelled just because of their handicap. This court case made it legal for schools in Wisconsin to reject any students with disabilities. https://nwef.org/2022/10/22/history-of-special-education/#:~:text=Special%20education%20can%20be%20traced,the%20Deaf%2C%20opened%20in%201817. -
Cuyahoga Council Retarded Child
This organization was founded by parents who advocated for their children to have a right to an education. These children had several disabilities and were not allowed in school. Parents used newspaper advertisements to gain support for their cause. -
Brown vs Board Of Education
This court case served to be a ground breaking change for segregation in schools and special education. Families fought against segregation stating it was unconstitutional. Although it was based on race, it paved the way for barriers to be broken for students with disabilities. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This Act was signed by president Lyndon B. Johnson. It gave states access to grants to help education students with disabilities. These grants helped to provide resources and materials needed in the classrooms. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/IDEA-History#1950s-60s-70s -
Section 504
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504 was the first law that gave people with disabilities civil rights. It made accommodations for students with disabilities. Most importantly it helped stop discrimination against people with special needs. https://dredf.org/legal-advocacy/laws/section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/ -
Education For Handicapped Children Act
This act made federal funds available for students with disabilities. It also provided money for one free meal for students as well. This was another major improvement for the plight for special education. https://nwef.org/2022/10/22/history-of-special-education/#:~:text=Special%20education%20can%20be%20traced,the%20Deaf%2C%20opened%20in%201817. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This was a law that ensured students with disabilities had a free education. This included any services and related resources they needed that were provided for them. This act service birth through age two and also 3-21 years old. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/#:~:text=The%20Individuals%20with%20Disabilities%20Education,related%20services%20to%20those%20children. -
No Child Left Behind Act
Most children in special education were left out of general education. Students with disabilities were not allowed to be assessed in school. In 2001, President Bush signed this act to bring about equal opportunities in education for all. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/no-child-left-behind-an-overview/2015/04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qk00niNQwA