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Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind
Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, was publicly inaugurated to offer college degrees to those that attended. This was the first college in the world’s history established for people with disabilities to obtain a college degree. The school is now known as Gallaudet University located in Washington D.C. and serves more than 40 majors to the deaf and hard of hearing community. -
Council for Education of Exceptional Children
The International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children was created by a team of 12 administrators to advocate for children with special needs. Renamed Council for Exceptional Children in 1958, the CEC remains as one the largest professional organizations committed to ensure that individuals with disabilities and special gifts receive the best possible education.
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Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education is a landmark case that declared racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. This decision provided the constitutional foundation for parents of children with disabilities and disability rights activists to press for equal educational opportunities for all children, including those with developmental and other disabilities. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the first right-to-education suit in the country, to overturn that Pennsylvania law and secure a quality education for all children. All students with disabilities between 6-21 are to be provided a free public education. The children would undergo thorough evaluation and placed in a proper school setting to meet their educational needs. -
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was the first disability rights law enacted in the United States. Under this law all individuals with disabilities are protected from unequal treatment, not only in schools but also in jobs and the community. It is part of the federal civil rights law that requires schools to provide assistance to children with disabilities -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Education for All Handicapped Children Act – EAHCA P.L. 94-142 EAHCA law passed, all states that received funds from the federal government were required to provide all children with disabilities a free and appropriate education. Students aged 5-18, with disabilities were to be placed in the least restrictive environment and provided services if needed. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Americans with Disabilities Act – ADA The ADA is a federal civil rights law which makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in all areas including work, schools, transportation and the general public area. Protection is extended to all students with disabilities attending public schools regardless if the school receives financial assistance from the government. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - (IDEA). IDEA formally known as EAHCA entitles all individuals with a disability from birth to age 21 a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Infants and toddlers (birth-age 3) with a disability receive early intervention services. Children and youth (age 3-21) with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are also eligible for services for their specific needs.
IDEA Basics -
No Child Left Behind
The major focus of No Child Left Behind is to close student achievement gaps by providing all children with a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. The U.S. Department of Education emphasizes four pillars within the bill, which are accountability, flexibility, research-based education and parent options. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEIA) reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This included the introduction of an IEP, due process and student discipline. IDEIA 2004 is a United States law that mandates equity, accountability and excellence in education for children with disabilities. It also authorizes formula grants to states, as well as discretionary grants for research, technology, and training.
