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American School for the Deaf (ASD)
The American School for the Deaf was founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. This is the first school founded in the United States intended to educate deaf and hard of hearing students. The school closed a year after its opening and reopened in 1818 becoming the first government funded school for elementary and secondary education for the deaf and hard of hearing. -
Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and Blind
This school was founded by Amos Kendall. Edward Miner Gallaudet, son of the founder of the first school for the Deaf, was the superintendent of this institution and became the president later on. This school offers 40 majors to bachelor’s degree and also doctorate and master’s degree. The institution name was changed to Gallaudet College in honor of its president in 1894. College degree diplomas from this institution are signed by the US president.
http://www.gallaudet.edu/about/who-we-are -
Brown v. Board of Education
In Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the US Supreme Court in a unanimous decision established that racial segregation in public education facilities is unconstitutional. This event put an end to racial segregation in schools and marked the beginning of a more tolerant and accepting school system. This decision influenced the creation of legislation to protect the rights of students with disabilities later on.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/brown-v-board-of-ed-is-decided -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) is a law that intends to provide students with equal access to quality education by providing funds to elementary and secondary public schools. This law also influenced the creation of educational programs for students with disabilities and improvement of the existing ones. -
The Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112)
The section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs, institutions or agencies. It defined handicapped person as one whose disability impedes from performing major life activities. This plan requires schools to provide students with disabilities with the necessary modifications and accommodations that promote their learning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULmCGI0tndI -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) (P.L. 94-142, Part B
This act made possible for students with mental or physical disabilities ages 5-18 to get an adequate education in any public funded schools following an Individualized Education Plan elaborated with their parents to meets the students’ needs. Also, this act stated that students whenever appropriate be placed in least restrictive environments in which they would interact with non-disabled students. -
Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments (P.L. 99-457)
This act facilitated for handicapped infants and toddlers to participate in early intervention programs at no cost. The purpose of this act was to enhance the potential development of children with disabilities that might not be possible without the aid of early intervention services and facilitate their transition to general education classrooms. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act(IDEA)
IDEA is a law that grants students with disabilities an appropriate free education. This law determines the way government funded schools should manage early intervention and specialized programs for students with disabilities to help them reach their educational potential and to prepare them to live independently. It includes the categories of autism and brain traumatic injury as disability categories. It remarks the importance of general education curriculum for special need students. -
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates(COPAA)
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates(COPAA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for students with disabilities right to receive free quality education. This organization provides training and assistance to parents of special needs students on how to work with schools to effectively plan their children's education and how to get legal help to advocate for their children's rights. It also looks to encourage attorneys to join their cause.
http://www.copaa.org/ -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
The NCLB act is an update made to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 that intended to boost up students’ scores on state mandated tests. All students, including special education students needed to achieve a proficient level for the test. This law was meant to ensure that teachers were appropriately qualified to teach in schools in order to provide high quality education. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
This act is a re-authorization of IDEA. This act is meant to improve educational outcomes. It increases the amount of funds given to special education programs and schools to ensure quality education for students with special needs. It introduces the term due process to ease litigation processes initiated by parents who believe that their children’s education needs are not appropriately met in schools.
