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First Am. School for Deaf
The American School for the Deaf, established in Hartford, Connecticut, on April 15, 1817, marked the beginning of formal education for students with disabilities in the United States. Founded by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, it provided a space where deaf students could learn and thrive using sign language and specialized instruction. This groundbreaking institution set a precedent for creating educational opportunities tailored to the unique needs of students with disabilities. -
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Special education
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Brown v. Board Education
Decided on May 17, 1954, Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark Supreme Court case that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. While primarily focused on racial integration, this case had profound implications for students with disabilities. The decision established the principle that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal, inspiring movements to ensure equal access to education for all marginalized groups, including students with disabilities. -
PARC v. Pennsylvania
In 1971, the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, challenging the exclusion of children with intellectual disabilities from public schools. The resulting court decision guaranteed the right to free public education for these students and required schools to provide appropriate educational services. This case was one of the first major legal victories for the special education movement. -
504 Rehabilitation Act
Description: Enacted in 1973, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was the first federal civil rights law to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. It mandated that any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including schools, must accommodate students with disabilities.This legislation laid the groundwork for inclusive practices by requiring equal access and opportunities, fostering a commitment to removing barriers://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxx6rQqIjpY -
Education (EAHCA)
Passed in 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) revolutionized special education by requiring public schools to provide free and appropriate education to all students with disabilities. This law also introduced the concept of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), ensuring that each student’s unique needs were met. By mandating public education for children with disabilities, the EAHCA emphasized that all students deserved access to education. -
Am. Disabilities Act (ADA)
Enacted in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) extended civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities across all areas of public life, including schools, workplaces, and transportation. It ensured that physical and social barriers could no longer exclude individuals from participating fully in society. By mandating accommodations and accessibility, the ADA significantly influenced educational settings. -
Education(IDEA)
In 1990, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), reflecting a broader commitment to supporting students with disabilities. IDEA guaranteed a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment (LRE), emphasizing inclusive practices in general education classrooms. The law also introduced services for students transitioning from school to work or further education.https://www.wrightslaw.com/ -
IDEA Reauthorization
The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reinforced the importance of including students with disabilities in general education classrooms. This version introduced the requirement for measurable student outcomes and mandated that schools make efforts to involve students with disabilities in standardized testing. These changes reflected a growing emphasis on accountability and inclusion, ensuring that students with disabilities could succeed. -
Rosa’s Law
Rosa’s Law, passed in 2010, marked a significant step toward fostering respect and dignity for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The law replaced the term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" in federal legislation, promoting the use of language that reflects the value and humanity of those it describes. Named after Rosa Marcellino, a young girl whose family advocated for this change, the law symbolizes the importance of inclusive language in creating a better society. -
Ev. Student(ESSA)
Signed into law in 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and reaffirmed the commitment to equity in education. ESSA ensured that all students, including those with disabilities, could access high-quality education and achieve academic success. The law emphasized accountability for schools while providing states with flexibility to design their programs. It also encouraged the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms.