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First American School for the Deaf (1817)
Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc implemented the first American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing children. The school’s creation represented a historic turning point in educating people with hearing impairments in the United States. Its key concepts of inclusiveness and specialized training paved the way for progress in deaf education across the country. -
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Brown v. Board of Education is a historic decision in which the Supreme Court declared that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional establishing the framework for integration efforts and influencing subsequent disability rights cases.
https://youtu.be/NBlqcAEv4nk?si=vtoFhF3047-ejOm1 -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is enacted, outlawing discrimination against people with disabilities in federally sponsored programs. It guarantees equitable access and opportunity across industries and influences future disability rights legislation and policy in the United States. -
IDEA Enacted (1975)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was adopted, guaranteeing that children with disabilities receive a free and adequate public education. It requires individualized education, plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
https://www.washington.edu/doit/what-individuals-disabilities-education-act#:~:text=The%20Individuals%20with%20Disabilities%20Education%20Act%20(IDEA)%20is%20the%20federal,Children%20Act%2C%20passed%20in%201975. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is enacted, outlawing discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and public spaces. This ground-breaking law encourages a more inclusive society by encouraging accessible and equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities, considerably increasing their involvement and integration in different facets of communal life. -
Inclusion Movement Begins (1994)
The inclusion movement gains traction, pushing for the integration of children with
disabilities into general education classrooms and highlighting the significance of building accessible learning environments. This trend toward inclusion benefits not just students with disabilities by encouraging academic and social development, but it also increases empathy and understanding among all students, resulting in a more supportive and varied educational environment. -
Olmstead v. L.C. (1999)
The Supreme Court's decision in Olmstead v. L.C. reinforces persons with disabilities' right to receive services in the most integrated environment suitable to their needs, marking a significant step forward in the movement for community-based care. This ruling promotes persons with disabilities' freedom and autonomy, while also advocating for their dignity and rights. -
No Child Left Behind Act (2001)
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is passed into law, stressing accountability, standardized testing, and include kids with disabilities into academic examinations. This Act seeks to guarantee that all children, regardless of aptitude, have equal access to educational opportunities and resources, therefore encouraging better standards and more responsibility in the educational system. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004)
IDEA is reauthorized, emphasizing the necessity of integrating children with disabilities into general education classrooms to the greatest degree possible. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (2015)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is enacted, replacing NCLB and providing more flexibility to states in education policy. It continues to emphasize the inclusion of students with disabilities.