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Columbia Institution
Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind is the first college in the world for people with disabilities to earn a higher education. President Abraham Lincoln authorized these students to earn college degrees. It is now called Gallaudet University and is still the only liberal arts college for deaf students today. -
Plessy vs. Ferguson
The Supreme Court decided that racial segregation does not violate the Fourteenth Amendment and segregation is legal. Although this is not a case about education, it supports that students with disabilities can be segregated from their non-disabled peers. This established "separate but equal". -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children was established as the first advocacy group for children with disabilities and was originally called the International Council for Exceptional Children. The mission of the CEC is to advance student achievement by ensuring a free and appropriate public education for students with special needs. The CEC is the largest special education advocacy group in the world today. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
This court case overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson case under the premise that "separate is not equal”. The case examined the segregation of black and white children in school. The segregation of students with disabilities and non-disabled students was also considered. Many advocacy groups were established to inform the public of the need for special education programs within schools. -
In the Mills vs. Board of Education of the District of Colombia
The U.S. Court of the District of Columbia ruled that students of all disability categories have the right to receive a free public education. This includes students with mental, physical, and behavioral disabilities. These students were recognized as "exceptional." -
First Center for Independent Living
The first center for independent living was established by Ed Roberts at UC Berkley. This allowed individuals with disabilities to gain the necessary support to live independently instead of in nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 was the first law providing protection for students with special needs against discrimination, including a free and appropriate public education and in the least restrictive environment. Students with physical or mental disabilities that affect learning are eligible for a 504 plan. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This act states that all students with disabilities should be educated in public schools. EAHCA ensures the following; FAPE, services for children ages 3-21 years old, supplemental services, due process, zero rejection, and LRE. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed by President George W. Bush. This act promises people with special needs will have the same rights as everybody else. This includes both in the school setting and the workplace. This act also stated that people with special needs cannot be discriminated against in schools, the workplace, and everyday society such as public transportation. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was authorized by George W. Bush and focuses on the rights of students with special needs. The IDEA consists of 6 principles; FAPE, LRE, IEP, appropriate evaluation, parent involvement, and procedural safeguards. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Reauthorization
The reauthorization of the IDEA involved amendments to the original. These changes include the IEP, due process, and discipline of students. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This amendment of the IDEA focuses on improving student achievement for students with disabilities to ensure equal opportunities for participation in and contribution to the community.