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AM, School For The Deaf
The American School for the Deaf was founded in Hartford, Connecticut, by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. It was the first school in the United States to provide formal education for children with disabilities, specifically those who were deaf. This establishment marked a significant step in recognizing the need for specialized education tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. -
Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University, established by an act of Congress and signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became the first higher education institution for deaf individuals. It provided a place for the deaf community to pursue academic and professional goals, promoting the idea that individuals with disabilities deserve the same educational opportunities as others. Gallaudet University continues to be a leader in education and advocacy for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. -
Brown v Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in which the Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The decision overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine established by the earlier Plessy v. Ferguson case (1896), stating that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal and violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. -
Department of Public Welfare v. Haas
This case was a significant legal battle in Illinois where the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of a state law denying free public education to children with severe cognitive disabilities. The court ruled that the state was not obligated to provide free education to children who were "ineducable" or "untrainable," effectively excluding a vulnerable population from public education services. -
The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments (PL 99-457)
These amendments extended special education services to preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) and established early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities. The amendments recognized the importance of early intervention in improving long-term educational outcomes for children with disabilities. By expanding services to younger children, the law aimed to provide support at the earliest possible stage, setting the foundation for later success in school and life. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in all areas of public life, including education, employment, transportation, and public accommodations. The law ensures that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, promoting accessibility and inclusion across all sectors of society. -
IDEA
IDEA re-emphasized the importance of providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. The act introduced the concept of transition services, which are designed to prepare students with disabilities for life after school, including employment and independent living. IDEA also reinforced the right of students with disabilities to be educated in the least restrictive environment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNFzitdI768 -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
NCLB was a major education reform law that emphasized accountability, standards, and testing in public education. NCLB aimed to close achievement gaps and ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, receive a quality education that prepares them for future success.
https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/nclb.law.overview.htm#:~:text=No%20Child%20Left%20Behind%20is,Accountability%20for%20results -
IDEIA: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
The IDEIA reauthorized and amended IDEA, aligning it with the accountability provisions of NCLB. The act emphasized improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities by focusing on evidence-based practices, early intervention, and stronger parental involvement. IDEIA also introduced measures to reduce paperwork and streamline the process for developing and implementing IEPs. -
Winkelman v. Parma City School District
The Court ruled that parents of children with disabilities have independent, enforceable rights under IDEA, allowing them to represent their child's interests in court without needing a lawyer. This case underscored the critical role parents play in advocating for their children's educational rights and reinforced their ability to ensure that schools comply with IDEA.
https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/550/516/