-
Perkins School for the Blind
The Perkins School for the Blind was founded in 1829 in Boston, MA by Dr Samuel Gridley Howe and is one of the oldest schools in the U.S. The school served students with visual impairments and taught students the use of tactile learning and braille. And also became a role model for similar institutions and had influence in advancing the education with visual disabilities.
https://www.perkins.org/our-history/ -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The CEC is the worlds largest organization dedicated to the improvement of educational outcomes for students with disabilites. The organization was created by educators at Teachers College, Columbia University. Their core values included respect for everyone, compassion and dedication to diversity. -
Brown V. Board of Education
Before the 1950's, many students with disabilites were prohibited from attending public schools. However, this was a landmark decision ruling that racial segregation in public schools were unconstitutional allowed students of color and those with disabilites to obtain the same opportunities. The first time the federal government supported students who experienced inequality and prejudice at school and set a future for them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRYK4RWyUAo -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act(ESEA)
This federal law was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 as part of his "War on Poverty". The purpose of this law was to ensure that all schools offered the necessary resources to students, espeically coming from low-income backgrounds. The law included grants for books, special education centers and scholarships for low-income students. -
The Rehabilitation Act
This U.S federal law prohibited discrimination on disabilities in programs and activities that received federal financial assistance. It provides protection for students with disabilities. For the first time, It opened doors to individuals to enter the federal contractor workforce. -
EAHCA (Public Law 94-142)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act also referred as the mainstreaming law requires school to provide free and reasonable public education for students with disabilites within the age range of 5-18. The law also requires individualized education programs (IEP) and one free meal per day. This has been defined as a least restrictive environment. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA prevents discrimination against people with disabilities whether physical or mental. This law protects individuals in various areas including schools, employment and public settings. The law has encouraged schools to provide equal opportunities for students with disabilites up to making reasonable changes to policies. -
No Child Left Behind Act
A U.S Act of Congress presented under the presidency of George W. Bush. Its purpose was to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and hold schools accountable for students academic progress. Although, states were not obligated to comply with the new requirements set in place, if they refused, they would risk a loss in federal Title 1 funds. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/no-child-left-behind-an-overview/2015/04 -
Rosa's Law
Under the presidency of Barack Obama, the Rosa Law was signed into effect and named after Rosa Marcellino, a nine year old girl at the time. The purpose of this law in the U.S was to replace the term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability". This law focuses on the theory that the words used to described a person can affect how we treat them. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
This U.S law was signed and passed by former president Barack Obama with the purpose to govern and process several changes to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. It offers more protection to disadvantaged students and replaces "The no child left behind act". It also requires all students to be taught to high standards to assist in preparing for higher education.
https://www.ed.gov/essa