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First School for the Deaf
Kentucky opened the first school for the deaf, and it was designated as "Kentucky Asylum for the Tuition of the Deaf and Dumb". This school represents one of the oldest representations of accommodations made for the sake of students with disabilities within the United States. A Kentucky State Senator's daughter was deaf, and with cooperation the creation of the school was authorized. -
The Arc Organization (NARC)
In 1950 NARC was a congregation of parents coming together in order to find ways of care and education for their children. This organization was created in a time before the 1975 EHC act as such it can be seen as something that was established as a result of frustration with lack of options. This organization evolved over time and changed their namesake in the modern era to be fitting with the times, now known as The Arc.
The Arc -
Center for Independent Living
CIL begun at the Cowell Memorial Hospital, which supported the "Disabled Students Program". CIL was established by Ed Roberts and John Hessler which were both students with physical disabilities that needed to find housing options after acceptance to their university. These advancements also ultimately led to Berkeley eventually creating housing accommodations for students with disabilities. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This act had a wide range of benefits which included accommodating students in disadvantaged positions such as from impoverished backgrounds, as well as individuals with disabilities. This act created a grant program that encouraged states to not only improve current programs for students with disabilities but also create new ones. They later revised this program in 1970 to have a more centralized approach to assisting individuals with disabilities. -
Rolling Quads
The Rolling Quads was established as a response to Berkeley's lack of accommodations for students that faced disabilities. While the Cowell Memorial Hospital served as a space where these students could live, they desired to live on campus like their peers. The Rolling Quads ultimately proposed a formal establishment of services for disabled students.
DSP History
Ed Roberts Video -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This law was enacted by congress as a means of requiring all public schools which accept federal funds to provide children that have disabilities an equal access to education as their peers. Public schools were required to evaluate children with disabilities. It mandated the creation of a plan that involved parents and gave disabled students an experience as close as possible to their peers thus being a less restrictive environment.
EAHC 1975 Video -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This act was created so as to ensure all children with disabilities receive an appropriate education through special education and related services, with the eventual goal of properly integrating students into the general education curriculum. IDEA states that "children with disabilities are entitled to free appropriate public education to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living."
IDEA -
No Child Left Behind
NCLB was an act that posited that too many of the children that were most in need, were not receiving adequate help and so this act was created as a response. NCLB attempts to bridge the gap in achievements between students of disadvantaged backgrounds with their peers by imposing new requirements on schools funded by the federal government. NCLB requires all students to be tested in order to "increase the accountability of at risk groups."
NCLB -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This act was signed in by Obama as a way of guaranteeing equal opportunities for individuals. ESSA served as the successor to the No Child Left Behind Act from back in 2002, while the acts share many aspects, ESSA further elaborates on students who are not making adequate progress. ESSA represents the modern desire to continue to improve upon the conditions of students, including those with disabilities, in the classroom.
ESSA Site -
Law School Disability Advocacy Coalition
As a result of the difficulties that come with being a disabled student of law, this organization was created in order to share tips. As the organization grew quickly and reached 650 members, they planned for long term advocacy and rebranded the organization. The NDLSA's mission statement is to support the needs of disabled law students before, during, and after their legal education.
NDLSA Site