History of Special Education

First Federal Law for Disabilities

Apr 16, 1798

The first early disability-related legislation occurred in 1798. U.S. President John Adams signed the act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen. This was officially the first federal law passed concerning the care of persons with disabilities.

First Special Education Class

Aug 24, 1896

There was early attention to special education.The first Special Education class was created in Rhode Island, 1896. Teachers in public schools noticed the need to provide special classes and teachers to students with learning disabilities. 34,000 students were enrolled in special education classes, by 1923.

Council for Exceptional Children

Aug 10, 1922

The Council for Exceptional Children is the world's largest professional organization committed to expanding the scholastic achievement of individuals with special needs or circumstances. This group was created in 1922, by a group of administrators and supervisors. They support success of anyone with exceptionalities through advocacy, standards, and professional development. Learn more about this organization at this link: https://www.cec.sped.org/

Textbook Against Disabilities

1931

The textbook, Social Control of the Mentally Deficient by Stanley Powell Davies, Ph.D, rose to popularity in the 1930's. It described that people with disabilities had to be controlled and confined, in order to protect society. This was a time when disabilities were not accepted and frown upon.

National Association for Retarded Citizens

May 17, 1950

This organization was created to assure citizens with exceptionalities are given full human rights and services. They focis of the legislative programs focused on health, rehabilitation, welfare, education, social security, labor, research and ect. This organization was the beginning of a positive public perception of children with mental retardation.

First Special Olympics

Apr 20, 1968

Global recognition of disabilities occurred when the first Special Olympics took place in Chicago, in 1968. Over 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada participated in track and swimming. Special Olympics are still going on today. It's been 50 years of Special Olympics. The following link is a video about their timeline, up until today. https://youtu.be/nAfitIyo0E4

Principle of Normalization

1969

Bengt Nirje, was a Swedish secretary general of the Swedish Association for "Retarded" Children, published the concept of normalization or mainstreaming of disabilities in the President's Report, in 1969. The principle reflects the acceptance of other's choices, wishes, and desires to be considered and respected.

Education of the Handicapped Act, Public Law 94-142

Nov 8, 1975

This law was the start of raising awareness of different exceptionalities and raising expectations and accountability surrounding the education of children with disabilities. Public schools were required to evaluate disabled children and create an educational plan with parent input that reflected an inclusive educational experience.

IDEA

Sep 30, 1990

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides children with disabilities the same education as a student without a disability. This Act includes the use of IEPs, enhanced educational accountability, standards, mediation services for parents, and reformulating the distribution of the federal appropriations.

Assistive Technology Act

Jan 17, 2004

This act increased awareness of the access students with disabilities have to assistive technologies (AT). It allows them to increase their independence in their education, with employment, and daily activities. Assistive technology is a service that requires evaluation for the correct type for the individual along with training and assistance for the individual, along with anyone else teaching the individual how to use the AT.