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Samuel Gridley Howe
Samuel Gridley Howe believed that children with disabilities could learn and should be educated, rather than just being pat of custodial care. Howe improved teaching methods for individuals with disabilities and opened a school for individuals with intellectual disabilities, called the Massachusetts School for Idiot and Feeble-Minded Youth. -
School at Randall's Island
The School at Randall’s Island “The Idiot School” opened in 1866. Located between Manhattan and Queens, this was one of the first schools offering services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. -
New Hampshire School for Feebleminded Children
The New Hampshire School for Feebleminded Children opened in 1903. Here is a child using devices such as a standing table, allowing her to complete a writing assignment. -
(CEC) Council for Exceptional Children
CEC was developed by a group of administrators and supervisors who collaborated for the needs of exceptional children. -
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
United Cerebral Palsy is one of the largest health nonprofits in the US. Developed for families of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities as support for medical and services. During the 1940's medical professionals often urged parent to institutionalize their children. Leonard H. Goldenson and Jack Hausman recruited other families to develop a support system and advocate for their families. -
The ARC
The ARC ,formerly National Association for Retarded Children was founded by parents of individuals with disabilities. Providing support and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ARC expanded across the United States. ARC Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM96e0yWjhI -
John F. Kennedy
Influencing an entire nations thoughts and laws on individuals with disabilities, John F. Kennedy worked tirelessly on behalf of his sister Rosemary, who had an intellectual disability. October 1961 marks the anniversary of his appointment for a panel of individuals focused on this topic. -
FDLRS
FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic Learning Resources Systems) is a statewide discretionary project through the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. Starting as the Florida Learning Resources Systems, FDLRS helps to locate children with special needs, educate parents and professionals, work with learning technologies, and provides resources throughout the state.
FDLRS is now 19 associate centers 2 specialized centers, and 6 multi-disciplinary centers.
http://www.fdlrs.org/ -
(PARC) Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children
Suing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PARC was responsible for major challenges to laws around the country. Pennsylvania was unable to prove that students were ineducable or untrainable. Denying education for students who were considered unable to benefit from a public education, PARC used the legal system to change how states educated individuals with disabilities and viewed students in the public system. -
The Education of All Handicapped Children Act
Signed into law by President Gerald Ford as an amendment of the Education for All Handicapped Act of 1974 (AKA Public Law 94-142). This law required free, appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.
This act would later be renamed The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). -
Senate Bill 850
Repealing the Special Diploma in Florida, Senate Bill 850 has authorized new diploma options for students taking Alternative Assessments (FAA) and made education the forefront of transition education.
http://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2014/html/863 -
Senate Bill 1108
Revising the process for renewing professional certificates in Florida, Senate Bill 1108 states that all teaching professionals in Florida must earn at least one college credit in a course for teaching students with disabilities.
This law modified the Professional Learning and renewal process in Florida for all professionals, making teachers responsible for ALL students. -
Fry v. Napoleon Comm. Sch. District
A recent case that is still being discussed, a school refused to allow a child's service dog to accompany her to school. Parents have sued for damages (under 504 and ADA) and this case will move forward to the Supreme Court for a verdict. -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1
Parents sued that their child with autism was not making progress on his goals and that the school was not addressing his increasing behaviors. Parents appealed to the Supreme Court for 'meaningful educational benefit' and were provided with an 8-0 decision, favoring higher standards for their child with disabilities.
