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First School of Special Education
The American Asylum for Deaf and Dumb was founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. It has since been renamed to be the American School for the Deaf and is located in Hartford Connecticut. Students received instruction in all subjects and received training for specific trades that were deemed suitable for deaf people. The school was then expanded to reach the needs of deaf people across the US, hence the change of the name.Video -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children is an organization that advocates for children with disabilities. It is a community that stands behind and supports the rights of exceptional children. They ensure that the educational success of exceptional children is prioritized and proper standards are being established as well as maintaining professional development of educators and providing them necessary resources. Website -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The ESEA, was signed into law in 1965 by president Johnson. The law would provide grants for school districts serving low income families in order to provide educational materials and resources. The ESEA also provided federal grants to help improve the quality of education for the students. This law was reauthorized as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 by President Obama. -
Mills v. Board of Education
In 1972, seven children were denied the right to an education due to their disability and the cost to accommodate them by the District of Columbia. The case was brought to court and is known as Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia. The court ruled in favor of the children and extended the right to special education for all students no matter their disability. -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act (Section 504)
Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, focuses on ensuring individuals with disabilities are not excluded and treated unfairly in schools, places of employment, and the community. This law works with the ADA and IDEA laws to ensure children and adults are included in a least restrictive environment. For example, have children with disabilities in the classroom with their peers that do not have disabilities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The EAHCA was signed into law by president Gerald Ford in 1975. This law requires that a free and appropriate education is provided for students with disabilities (ages 5-18). It also defines the least restrictive environment and inclusion of students with disabilities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
In 1990, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was reauthorized as IDEA. This law provides special education services and other related services for children with disabilities and their families. Ensures that children with disabilities are being treated fairly and have the right to a free appropriate education. IDEA also sets in place provisions for early intervention, special education, and related services through the state. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The American with Disabilities Act was signed as a law in 1990 by George W. Bush. It set forth rights to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life. It ensures their right to employment with accommodations, public services, provision for telecommunications, and other provisions to ensure individuals with disabilities are treated equally and fairly but with proper accommodation by law. -
Assistive Technology Act
The Assistive Technology Act was originally authorized in 1998 and then reauthorized in 2004. This law ensures people with disabilities have access to assistive technology. These technologies would help them in their day to day lives and enable them to fully participate in education and employment. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
No Child Left Behind is a law that was passed by Congress in 2001. The new law would hold schools accountable for the academic progress of all students. The teachers needed to be qualified for the subject they were teaching and had to ensure they kept track of the students' progress and provide necessary interventions to boost their academic performance.