HIstory of Special education from 1800's to Present

First Special Education School Established in the United States

1829

The Perkins School for the deaf and blind is founded in Boston, Massachusetts. This is important because it was the first school for educating just students that had visual impairments.

Plessy v. Ferguson

1896

This was a Supreme Court case that was heard in Louisiana. This particular case had nothing to do with education, however it had everything to do with civil rights. It created the way for separate but equal and would pave the way for later cases such as Brown v. Board of Education.

Smith Hughes Act

1917

The Smith Hughes Act was the first federal law in the United States that would allow funding for vocational education. This law included programs for students with disabilities. This laid the foundation for future special education legislation.

Beattie v. Board of Education

1919

This was a supreme court case that was heard because special education students very expelled. This was before the civil rights movements and the court concluded that the including special education would be detrimental to the other students education.

Council for Exceptional Children

1922

Council for Exceptional Children was founded in 1922. This was the first advocacy group for children with disabilities. Today the Council for Exceptional Children is one of the largest advocacy groups for students with disabilities and there main focus is ensuring FAPE.

Classification of Autism

1943

The classification of Autism was introduced by Dr. Leo Lanner. Today there is such a broad spectrum that covers autism and without the work of Dr. Lanner we would not be have the resources and research for the students that fall under this classification.

Brown v. Board of Education

1954

This was a landmark Supreme Court case. This case overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson by ruling that separate is not equal. This case was focused on Black and White students but through the ruling it encouraged the advocacy groups to inform others for the need of special education programs.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act

1965

This act did not make it a law to educate students with disabilities but it did give grants to state schools and institutions that put programs into place to educate students with disabilities. This in my opinion was one of the first major steps towards IDEA and where we are today.

Section 504

1973

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act allows for protection of people with special needs and disabilities from being discriminated against. This is important because for the first time the law directly addresses the civil rights of people with special needs or disabilities. This law also includes FAPE and LRE.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act

1975

This act is important because it made sure that all children with disabilities were educated in public schools. The act covered children from age 3-21. This act also ensured the education was free for the students.

Americans with Disabilities Act

1990

This act is important because it says that people with disabilities will have the same rights as everyone else. This act promises that these individuals will have these rights at work and school.

Individuals with disabilities Education Act

2004

This act has 6 pillars. The initial law was passed in 1990 The 6 pillars include FAPE, LRE, IEP, evaluation, parent/student participation and all procedural safeguards for participants. This law was reauthorized in 2004.