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First Special Education Classes Established
In 1896, Providence, Rhode Island established classes for the mentally handicapped. This was part of the first efforts to teach students with special needs. Classes were also established for students who were physically handicapped and blind. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), founded in 1922, is the largest internationally recognized organization dedicated to enhancing the education for students with incredible gifts or disabilities. This organization is a strong advocate for constantly developing and evolving government policies surrounding effective education as well as providing students with the best learning environment possible. It is always working diligently to public policies concerning students with disabilities. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA),enacted under the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, serves as a milestone commitment to an equal and accessible quality education. It provided initiatives for low income families or anyone who needed support in benefiting from the public education system. This act sparked conversation on continuing to broaden the horizons in terms of public education for exceptional students, including students with disabilities. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The case, Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took place in 1971. Prior to this, it was still legal to refuse education from children if they "did not profit from public school services". The court's ruling assured special education for children with intellectual disabilities and deemed it unconstitutional to deny them educational services.
https://sites.google.com/site/schoolpsychquickreference/legal-briefs/parc-v-commonwealth-of-pennsylvania -
Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
The case, Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia (1972), was a pivotal movement in the gradual landmark of public special education in the U.S. Mills was a lawsuit composed by several families that were denied educational services and excluded from schools due to their mental / physical disabilities. The court's ruling extended the right to special education to children of all disabilities.
: https://usedulaw.com/438-mills-v-board-of-education-of-the-district-of-columbia.html -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA)
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act (VRA), enacted in 1973, defined the terms handicapped person and appropriate education regarding children with special needs. It also prohibited discrimination in federally funded programs, including the workplace and other employment services. This was a notable moment in the history of Special Education as it lead the way for further and more effectively protective legislation in this realm. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), passed in 1975, was a monumental instance in the history of Special Education in the U.S. Not only did it require free and suitable education for students with disabilities (ages 5-18), but it also defined the term "least restrictive environment", which meant general education classrooms. This allowed special education students to slowly be integrated into general education environments, advocating for inclusion in all classrooms. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, better known as IDEA, was ratified in 1990. It outlined the rights of disabled children in schools. This included establishing the child's first language, expanding special education services / provisions for confidentiality, and requiring transition services for the workforce. This act has been further amended and now emphasizes the idea of inclusion in general ed. classrooms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XMndYNEGFA -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), established in 1990, was another turning point for people with disabilities in the U.S. This act prohibited discrimination of any kind in the private sector and also protected equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This bolstered employment amongst disabled individuals and allowed them to feel some form of legal security in the workplace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XX3F3idDA0 -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA)
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA) was passed in 2002 under the administration of President George W. Bush. It increased the accountability and flexibility of the use of federal funds in education, offered school choice options, and implemented early reading interventions to ensure no child was left without a proper education. Although seemingly geared toward more general education children, the NCLBA did benefit students with special needs as it helped to improve their education services.
