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American School for the Deaf
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) was the first permanent school for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. It was founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet when he met Dr. Mason Fitch Cogswell's family and their deaf daughter Alice. Gallaudet traveled to Europe to learn more about how to educate deaf children. He then brought Laurent Clerk, a deaf teacher, back with him to the United States and began the ASD. -
Am. Assoc. of Instructors of the Blind
The American Association of Instructors of the Blind (AAIB) first began in 1853 when professionals gathered to discuss a system for producing braille materials. The AAIB trains educators to stay updated on the latest teaching methods and technology for blind and visually impaired students. It also advocates for these students' needs and raises awareness about the capabilities of blind people. -
Assoc., Mental Deficiency
The organization formerly known as the American Association on Mental Deficiency is now known as the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). It focuses on establishing definitions of disabilities and advocating for evidence-based strategies to support individuals with such disabilities. The AAIDD began with a gathering of seven experts in the field met at a Pennsylvania school to discuss how to benefit those with intellectual disabilities. -
WI SC, in Beattie v. Board of Ed.
In 1919, it was ruled in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in Beattie v. Board of Education case that students with disabilities could be expelled, denied, or excluded. This was based on the belief that students with disabilities would interfere with other students' educations. The Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case of 1954 is considered a victory not only for its subject of racial segregation but also for special education, due to its emphasis on equality in the classroom. -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was created by a group of educators in 1922 and began with 12 members. The vision for the CEC is high-quality education for those with disabilities. The CEC supports special education professionals by advocating for them and those with disabilities, networking, and more.
CEC -
Elem., Sec. Ed. Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides funding for the betterment of educational opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. The ESEA's goal is to ensure all students have access to high-quality education. Though it mainly focused on low-income students, it greatly benefited students with disabilities, as it was believed that "full educational opportunity" was a national goal. -
Rehab. Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first major federal law put in place to protect the rights of those with disabilities. It defines a person with a disability as one who has physical or mental impairments. It also prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal financial assistance, allowing students with disabilities to be put in less restrictive environments. -
Am. w/ Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination. It protects those with disabilities in areas of life, including voting, employment, schooling, and more. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. -
Indiv. w/ Disab. Ed. Improve. Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEIA) is a federal law that ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It includes an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a document describing how to meet each child with disabilities' educational needs. It also consists of a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), which means children with disabilities should be placed in general classrooms as much as possible. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The ESSA includes many components of the NCLB but provides additional opportunities for schools when students are not making adequate progress. Specifically for students with disabilities, students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans can get accommodations on state tests.
ESSA