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First American School for the Deaf
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) situated in Hartford, Connecticut, was the initial permanent institution for the deaf in the United States. ASD, founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, paved the way for specialized education for students with hearing impairments. The educational institution introduced the American Sign Language (ASL), which is still utilized to this day. -
Brown v. Board of Education
May 17, 1954, marks the turning point in the fight for civil rights, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Despite its initial focus on race, this case set a precedent that challenged all forms of segregation and discrimination, even those against students with disabilities. It upheld the essential principle that all children, regardless of race or ability, have the right to equal educational experiences. -
Elementary and Sec. Ed. Act
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act into law. Federal funding for public schools was significantly increased by this act, and grants were provided for students with disabilities. It marked the beginning of federal involvement in public education, which would later go on to include special education programs. Elementary and Secondary Education Act -
PARC v. Pennsylvania
The PARC group challenged a law that allowed public schools to refuse education to children who were not mentally mature by the age of five. The ruling in support of PARC confirmed that children with intellectual disabilities could get a free public education. The case promoted the notion of a non-discriminatory learning environment for individuals with disabilities. Storytelling: PARC vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
A child with a disability is guaranteed a free, proper public education under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which was signed into law. The law requires that students with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive setting, paving the way for inclusive plans in public schools. This law is the basis of recent special education legislation in the United States.History of Special Education Law in the United States -
Amer. with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life was prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals with disabilities enjoy equal access to educational facilities and educational programs. Students with disabilities were strengthened by this law and their inclusion in general education settings was made possible. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was reauthorized and expanded upon by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA stressed the importance of including children with disabilities in general education classes and mandated schools to provide individualized learning plans. This law strengthened the rights of students with disabilities to receive a quality education in a non-discriminatory setting. -
No Child Left Behind Act
President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law, which introduced new accountability standards for schools. Students with disabilities were included in state assessments and schools were held accountable for their progress. This law strengthened the focus on educational achievement for students. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
NCLB was replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which aimed to increase the inclusion of students with disabilities in public education systems. ESSA gave states more flexibility in deciding how to measure student performance, while still holding schools responsible for the education of students with disabilities. All students receive a high-quality education, and this act reinforced the importance of inclusive education. -
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
In Endrew F. v . Douglas County School District, the U.S. Supreme Court, ruled that schools must provide students with disabilities with an education that is reasonable in respect of their circumstances. The importance of individualized education programs was reinforced by his decision to raise the standard for what is considered a free appropriate public education under the IDEA.