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First School of Special Education
The American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons opened on April 15, 1817. Back then, the term "dumb" meant "unable to speak". This school came about because parents were in need of a school that educated their deaf children. Students that attended this school ranged from ages 10 to 51. https://www3.gallaudet.edu/clerc-center/info-to-go/deaf-culture/laurent-clerc.html#:~:text=On%20April%2015%2C%201817%2C%20rented,American%20School%20for%20the%20Deaf). -
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History of Special Education and Inclusive Education Timeline
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Elementary and Secondary Education Act 1965
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was essentially a "war on poverty". This statute provided funds to primary and secondary schools while emphasizing high standards and accountability. These funds made sure that public schools could provide quality education for all kids, including disadvantaged poverty struck students. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies. Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, and this law applies to public elementary and secondary schools. This act also approved grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services which supported employment, independent living, and client assistance to people with disabilities. -
The Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975
Education for all Handicapped Children Act required all public schools that were issued federal funds to provide children with disabilities with equal access to education and one free meal a day. This act established the right for all children to have access to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment based on the individualized education plan. This was the first act to define what a least restrictive environment was. -
Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities 1977
The National Center for Learning Disabilities was founded by Carrie and Pete Rozelle. Their mission statement was to provide leadership, public awareness, and grants to support research and innovative practices in learning disabilities. This organization, even after over 40 years of existence continues to lead the field in innovation, research, and advocacy for the education of children with learning disabilities on a national level. https://bit.ly/3bweCSh -
Americans with Disabilities Act 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas of their daily lives, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, and access to state and local government programs and services. ADA disabilities include both mental and physical medical conditions. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/2020/07/americans-disabilities-act-transformed-united-states/ -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1990
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (most known as IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities and ensures special education and related services to those children. This act describes the disability categories that make students eligible to receive special education and it also specifies the related services and aids students may be entitled to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XMndYNEGFA -
No Child Left Behind Act 2001
The No Child Left Behind Act was made in place by Congress to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. This law required states to test students on all subjects and made sure that they met or exceeded state standards. The priority of this law was to close the student achievement gap by emphasizing accountability, flexibility, research-based education, and parent options. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0--2nhsDorg -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004
This law was established to make sure children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education with the assistance of services that meet their individual needs. This law also increased funding for early intervention services for students
who do not require special education. IDEA allows students with disabilities to get the education they need at little to no cost to the parents. -
Every Student Succeeds Act 2015
The main purpose of the Every Student Succeeds Act is to make sure public schools provide a quality education for all kids. It was signed by President Obama and it requires states to get input from parents and families to create state plans. Its predecessor was the No Child Left Behind Act. This law was modified without eliminating the need to give out standardized tests to students. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu4eBNGfZes
