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School for the Deaf
The American School for the Deaf, which was previously known as “American Asylum” was founded in Hartford, Connecticut. It was the first school in the western hemisphere that was meant for disabled children. Back then being labeled dumb or disabled implied you did not know how to speak. The school brought instruction in different areas such as reading, history, and the bible. Laurent Clerc who was the head teacher, was able to introduce the sign language of Paris as well. -
School for the Blind
Perkins School for the Blind was originally named “New England Asylum for the Blind”. It was opened in Boston, Massachusettes with the intention of opening the doors to education for those who were blind and deafblind. The first director, Samuel Gridley Howe, dedicated his time to teaching the students how to see and learn about the world through the tip of their fingers. https://www.perkins.org/history/legacy -
Beattie vs. Board of Education
The Wisconsin Supreme Court made a ruling that any student with a disability could be excluded from a school. A student had a condition in which it caused drooling and other facial contortions. It was said the student required too much attention and time from the teacher, which caused disruptions to the learning environment. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
In Brown vs. Board of Education, the Supreme Court ruled that no student could be denied the right of education based on their race. They used the Fourteenth Amendment to support their decision, showing the equal protection clause it had. This opened a gateway for parents who had disabled children and would also use the 14th Amendment to fight for their children’s rights. -
Mills vs. Board of Education
The ruling mandated that the District of Columbia Board of Education, must provide children with disabilities a publicly supported education. They had denied these students education before. The court specified the processes and programs in which those students would be taught in school. -
Least Restrictive Environment
With a least restrictive learning environment the student spends his or her day within a general education classroom, but he is accompanied with a para, tutor, or an aide. This helps the child focus on what is being taught but with having the freedom of having someone with them. -
Handicapped Children’s Protection Act (HCPA)
HCPA builds on another act labeled Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA). This deemed that all public schools who received financial support from the government, had to give access to all education and food programs to children with disabilities. Additionally, they agreed to permit parents to have a word in the formation of their child’s IEP. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This act states that any American with a disability cannot be discriminated in ay social, school or workplace setting. It was implemented by President George W. Bush and it was meant for people with special needs to have the same rights as everyone else. -
IDEA
The IDEA law includes six different pillars; FAPE, LRE, EIP, evaluation, parent/student participation, and procedural safeguards. IDEA provides equal protection for all students with disabilities within the United States. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The goal of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was to provide equal educational opportunities for all disadvantaged students. This act included: students in poverty, minorities, non-English speakers, and students receiving special education services. The downfall of this act was the fact the schools would get penalized for lack of improvement. https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2014/06/10/no-child-left-behind/
