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First Special Education School in America
This was the first school of special education in the United States. The school was for the deaf and dumb (The definition of the word "dumb" during this time referred to those who were unable to speak). The school was established in Hartford, Connecticut in the year 1817. Although it started off with a mere seven students, it was a significant milestone to provide education for children who were deaf or unable to speak as it made it possible to have these schools all around the United States -
Gallaudet University
The first University for the deaf was established by Thomas Gallaudet during the year 1864. Congress approved Columbia to grant college degrees which was passed and approved by President Abraham Lincoln. The school has roots from a school for the deaf and blind children which was founded in 1856 by Amos Kendall and later became known as Gallaudet University during the year 1894 in honor of Thomas Gallaudet.
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Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed by the 89th United States Congress and was signed as a law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It provided federal funding to primary and secondary education for resources to support the educational program. The purpose behind this act is to allow equal access to education for those who may come from low income families, Native Americans, neglected, migrants, homeless and English language limited families. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This act was put into place to prohibit discrimination against those with disabilities in the United States. This act applied to employers and organizations of which receive federal financial assistance. Government agencies such as K-12 schools, postsecondary entities, and any other projects federally funded are not allowed to turn away anyone with disabilities due to the discrimination against their group. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
The Education for All Handicapped Children's act was a huge milestone for those who have disabilities. The act required public schools with federally funds to provide equal access of education for children with physical and/or mental disabilities. The schools were required to evaluate students with disabilities to create a plan for their education. The purpose of this act was to allow disabled students to one free meal every school day as well as an opportunity to have access to education. -
Honig v. Doe
This case protected students from getting expelled for behaviors relating to their disabilities. The case was opened due to a student named John Doe, who had trouble controlling his impulses and anger. At the age of seventeen, John was expelled for chocking a student and kicking the student out the window due to taunts made by his peer. Those actions of expelling him indefinitely violated the "stay put" provision of the act.
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American Disabilities Act of 1990
The Civil Rights law, signed by President George H. W. Bush, prohibits discrimination based on a persons disability in public which includes jobs, schools, transportation and all private and public places open to the general public, including public schools. This helped those with disabilities access the same type of employment opportunities and benefits as people without disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA)
This act enabled students with disabilities to be entitled to free and appropriate public education to meet their specific needs. It also prepares them for secondary education, employment and independent living. Not only does this protect the child with disabilities, but their parents/legal guardians as well. -
Cedar Rapids v. Garret F
The case was used to achieve school boards to require continuous nursing services to disabled students who need those services throughout the school day. The case helped enhance the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act from the year 1990. It was brought up as a case by a student named Garret F. who was quadriplegic and needed assistance that his family provided until fourth grade. When his family asked for assistance from the school during fifth grade, he was refused by the school board. -
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
Although the sign was passed in December 2001 by Congress, it was signed into law by President George W. Bush during the beginning of 2002. The act was originally introduced as "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" in the year 1965, but was improved in 2001 by improving accountability, flexibility, and choice in an effort to have no child left behind.
