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First Special Education School in the U.S.
In 1817, the first special education school in the United States was established in Hartford, Connecticut, by Gallaudet. It was the first American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, now called the American School for the Deaf. -
First Psychiatric Hospital, The Bradley Home
In 1931, the first psychiatric hospital opened up for children in the United States. It was called, The Bradley Home and established in East Providence, Rhode Island. Before 1931, it was very difficult for researchers to study child development when it comes to education. -
The National Association for Retarded Citizens (now ARC/USA) was organized.
In 1950, The National Association for Retarded Citizens (now ARC/USA) was organized. It was one of the most influential parent advocacy groups in the United States at the time. The AAMD provided in their program for some parent sessions, and following these sessions the parents got together and appointed a steering committee of the parent groups. -
First Institution for Research on Exceptional Children Opened
In 1951, the first institution for research on exceptional children opened up at the University of Illinois. The institution became the newest focus of the field of special education and what we call now, a learning disability. -
The Association for Children with Learning Disabilities was organized
In 1963, the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities was organized. It was one of two of the most influential parent advocates in 1963 in the United States of America. The organization believes that all children regardless of disability is able to succeed in school, at work, in relationships and at home. -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 guaranteed the same equal rights to all disabled people and for people who required accommodations in schools. Before the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, people were denied those special accommodations. For example, ramps are needed in all schools now for those people who are in wheelchairs. This allows those people to move as they please as any student would in the school.
Linked Site: https://www.access-board.gov/the-board/laws/rehabilitation-act-of-1973 -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
(EHA) – The education Education for All Handicapped Children Act of all handicapped children’s act of 1975 guaranteed that all disabled students receive the same free education that other children receive. Public schools are required to accommodate a disabled student’s education needs with the assistance of the child’s parents and/or guardians. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA)
In 1997, the Education of all Handicapped Children’s Act of 1975 was revised to better accommodate Special Education Children. Schools were forced to implement Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s). IEP’s are individual plans for each child that better suits that specific child’s education needs. Children all learn at a different pace and learns better with different styles. An IEP ensures they are receiving the best education for them. -
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 – The No Child Left Behind Act authorizes federal education programs that are administered by the states. Schools are required to test student in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and once in high school. The Act was officially signed in law on Jan. 8th, 2002
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAaDhI2f3z8 -
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) began
In 2008, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) began recommending the term, ‘intellectual disability’ be used as supposed to ‘mental retardation’. Mental retardation is often hurtful and offensive to people with disabilities and not appropriate use of words.
