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First Deaf School
Abbe de L’Epee opened the first school for the deaf in 1771. He recognized that deaf students could learn with the right support and introduced sign language as a key teaching tool, making education accessible for them. The school was named National Institution for Deaf-Mutes in Paris. Over time, his ideas also influenced the development of inclusive education, where students with disabilities learn alongside their peers. -
Department of Special Education
The Department of Special Education was founded in 1897 to provide special training for teachers working with students with disabilities. The department was created by the national education department. This marked an important step in recognizing the need for tailored education to support all students. -
Council For Exceptional Children
The organization is dedicated to improving the education of individuals with exceptionalities. The CEC played a crucial role in advocating for the EAHCA, which mandated that public schools provide free and appropriate education to all children with disabilities. The act established the right to special education services and set the framework for ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in the educational system. -
Public law 85-926
Public law 85-925 is also known as the National Defense Education Act (NDEA). It authorized the federal government to provide funds for the training of teachers specifically to work with children with disabilities. This law was an important early step in making sure that students with disabilities received the education and support they needed. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 was a law that aimed to improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. It provided aid to schools to support low-income families, and ensure that all children had access to quality education. The act emphasized equal access to education, and aimed to close the achievement gap. -
Mills vs. District of Columbia Board of Education
The case involved several children with disabilities who were not being provided with an adequate education by the District of Columbia's public schools. The court ruled that the District of Columbia had violated the children’s right to a free, appropriate public education. The decision established the principle that public schools must provide education to all students with disabilities and cannot exclude them based on their disability. -
Rehabilitation Act
The act prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. It also states that individuals with disabilities be provided with equal access to education, employment, and other services. Section 504 mandates that schools and other institutions provide accommodations and ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education and services. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act implemented elements that have permanently changed education in the U.S. For exmaple, free appropriate public education (FAPE), individualized education programs (IEP), and it reequires parents to be fully involved in decisions about their child's education. The legislation is regarded as the “Bill of Rights” for families and their children with disabilities. Also known as the Mainstreaming Law. -
IDEA
IDEA The act requires schools to provide tailored educational services through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), educate students in the least restrictive environment possible, and involve parents in the decision-making process. It also ensures that shools provide an education that meets the unique needs of students with disabilities at no cost to families. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. Its goal is to guarantee equal opportunities and access to all facets of public life for those with disabilities. Encouraging inclusion and fair participation in society, the ADA requires accessible public spaces, reasonable accommodations in the workplace, and effective communication for individuals with disabilities.