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First Permanent Deaf School
Thomas H. Gallaudet opened America’s first permanent school for those who were deaf in 1817. The school was located in Hartford, Connecticut and was called “The American School for the Deaf.” The school’s opening on the 15th of April marked the beginning of America’s efforts to educate those with disabilities. History of "The American School for the Deaf" -
First Special Ed Class in a Public School
The first special education class in an American public school was opened in Rhode Island in 1896. The creation of the specific class was due to teachers noticing that many of their students had learning disabilities. By 1923, almost 34,000 students were enrolled in special education classes. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was established in 1922. 12 students attending a summer session at the Teachers College of Colombia University came together to create a place where others could be educated on special education. It also served as an outlet for people to share their ideas on how to aid those in need of special education. The CEC also helps professional working in special education obtain the resources that they need. CEC -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark issued by the Supreme Court in 1954. The landmark declared racial segregation or the segregation of a specific group as unlawful. This declaration allowed for equal education quality and opportunities to be available to all. -
Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA)
The Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) was established in 1965 and provided funding to elementary and secondary schools. The ESEA provided equal opportunities and access to education, especially to those in low-income areas. The grants provided to school districts allowed for textbooks, special education centers, library books, and the overall improvement of education quality. -
Education for all Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
The Education for all Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was passed by congress in 1975. The law guarantees that public schools are providing equal access to appropriate and free education in the least restrictive environment possible for children with disabilities. The law also requires that schools evaluate a child’s special needs and develops an individualized education program (IEP). -
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) was introduced as a part of the Education for all Handicapped Children Act in 1975. The IEP was created to have a plan that outlined the specific aid, education, and services a child with disabilities needed to thrive in their learning environment. The IEP served as a part of the legislation that granted children with disabilities legal rights to their education. -
Tech Assistance Disability Act
The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act was established in 1988. The “Tech Act” was created by Congress to increase the availability of assistive technology for people with disabilities. It was also created to increase funding for and access to assistive technology as well. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was established in 1990 after the Education for all Handicapped Children Act was amended. IDEA supported the involvement of parents in the educational decisions being made for their children with disabilities. It also required parental approval of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) being created for their child. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established in 1990. The ADA requires that businesses, schools and local and state governments follow several different regulations as a prevention against the discrimination of those with disabilities. The ADA was also the first comprehensive civil rights law dedicated to people with disabilities.