History of Special Education from 1800's to current

  • American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb

    The American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb was first instituted in Hartford, Connecticut. This was the first school for deaf and dumb. This was a way for parents to ensure that their children will be educated. (Crowley, 2001-2008) (https://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/edu/essay.html?id=38)
  • Law Mandating Compulsory Education

    Compulsory Education Laws were put in place that require students to attend a public or state-accredited private school for a certain period of time. This was put in place to ensure that students can read and write. Additionally, this decreases the wide-spread of school drop-out and increases school attendance. (Compulsory Education Laws: Background, n.d.)
  • Plessy vs. Fergusson

    After Plessy was arrested for sitting in an all-whites car, Plessy's case made it to the Supreme court. After the case of Plessy vs. Fergusson, the Supreme Court ruled, "separate but equal." .

    Although this is not directly related to education, the concept among schools remain. "Separate but equal" is not something schools can allow. (https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/plessy-v-ferguson, 2018)
  • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

    The Council for Exceptional Children supports students and teachers. It provides professional development so students can achieve maximum educational success. Additionally, the CEC provides resources to those helping individuals with exceptionalities. (https://www.masters-in-special-education.com/faq/what-is-the-council-for-exceptional-children/, 2019)
  • Brown vs. Board of Education

    As a result of the court case, blacks and whites are equal in school. All students must have equal access to the general education curriculum regardless of their face color.
    This court case and law was crucial to the education reform. It led to equality among all students. "Separate but equal" has no place any longer. (https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka, 2019)
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

    The ESEA provides funding for basic education and is used to advocate for students needs to access public education for students which need special education. This act helped create equality giving access to the general education curriculum to all students. (Special Education News, 2019)
  • First Center for Independent Living Opens

    A group of students, led by Ed Roberts, fought for rights for those with disabilities, specifically developmental disabilities. Ed Roberts opened a home for people who otherwise would need to remain in institutions due to their disability. (Center for Independent Living in North Central Florida, n.d.)
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)

    EHA provided a right for public education to all students regardless of disability.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    Under the IDEA, students who qualify for special education must be given the appropriate education to fit their specific needs. Education must be provided in the least restrictive environment to help children learn skills for further education and how to work independently. This education will be funded by the government.
    This act is crucial to the education reform so that all students meet their individual needs as necessary. (Special Education News, 2019)
  • No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB Act)

    The NCLB is a federal law that is funded to provide educational assistance to the poor to increase educational performance and progress. This act gave all students opportunity to grow and develop in education regardless of economic status. (FairTest, 2008)
  • Re-authorization of IDEA

    The re-authorization of IDEA was instated in 2004 to make positive changes in the education for those receiving special education services. Some changes include implementing IEP's, due process and special authority to school personnel to determine placement for specific children. This law has had a tremendous positive outcome/change for all students. (https://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/tb-discipline.pdf, n.d.)