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First School of Special Education
On April 15th, 1817 the first Special Education school opened as the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb in Hartford, Connecticut. Around this time many children were born deaf and unable to speak.The concept of self-reliance and the belief that religious salvation is possible through understanding the Bible determined the methods and purposes of the founders. This school is now known as The American School for the Deaf. -
Perkins Institution for the Blind
The Perkins Institution for the Blond was founded in Boston Massachusetts. First of a kind school for people with disabilities there. It wasn’t always called the Perkins School for the Blind. In 1829, when the school was incorporated, it was called The New England Asylum for the Blind. -
The ARC
The Arc was created by a group of parents who experienced concerns for the education of children with special needs. During the 1950 little was known about intellectual disabilities. Since the group of parents established The Arc has advocated for the passage of state and federal legislation on behalf of people with disabilities & established a broad network of state & local chapters that range from small voluntary groups to large, professional organizations.
https://thearc.org/about-us/history/ -
Brown V. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that school segregation by race was not constitutional, even if resources were allotted equally. This was the first time federal government had advocated for students who experienced inequality and prejudice at school, and it set the path for future legislation for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka -
Learning Disabilities Association of America
On April 6th,1963 A group of parents and professionals started LDA and led the push for passage of the first federal legislation mandating a free, appropriate, public education for students with disabilities. The group of parents convened a conference in Chicago to share their common concerns on the services that did not exist for their children. During the months that followed and with volunteers they managed to create the organization.
https://ldaamerica.org/about-us/ -
Vocational Rehabilitation Act
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act defines a handicapped person, defined their appropriate education, and prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in federally funded programs. This applies to students in public and publicly supported schools.
https://youtu.be/ULmCGI0tndI -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Education for All Handicapped Children Act ensured that all students with disabilities were to be given an education in public schools. Working closely with parents and creating individualized education programs (IEP). Also known as the Mainstreaming law, which requires states to provide a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities from ages 5-18. First defined least restrictive environment. -
American with Disabilities Act
The American with Disabilities Act was signed into law by president George W. Bush. The law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector. It protects equal opportunity to employment and public services,accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. It defines disability to include people with AIDS. The act ensures that all individuals with disabilities be given the same opportunities in school, transportation, etc. -
IDEA / Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures the right of children with disabilities to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. It also states that children with special needs have to receive services that pertain to their special needs. FAPE, LRE,IEP, parent &student participation, procedural safeguards for participants are all part of the IDEA Act. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The primary purpose of NCLB is to ensure that students in every public school achieve important learning goals while being educated in safe classrooms by well-prepared teachers. It states that students should be proficient in math, reading, and science for all children, including children with special needs. Also they are required to test students in reading and math in grades 3–8 and once in high school. All students are expected to meet or exceed state standards in reading and math by 2014.
