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American School for the Deaf
The first of its kind, founded in Connecticut. The American School for the Deaf was the first-ever school for children with a disability. (GCU, n.d.) -
Law Mandating Compulsory Education
Rhode Island mandated the education of all children, the children were required to go to school and the government was required to educate them. (GCU, n.d.) -
Columbia Institution
U.S. Congress allowed Columbia Institution to grant college degrees to students with disabilities specific to being deaf, dumb, and blind. The first college to do so globally. (GCU, n.d.) -
Council for Exceptional Children
Not only the largest but also the first advocacy group for students with disabilities. Their focus is advocating that students with disabilities have access to free and appropriate public education. (GCU, n.d.)a -
Section 504
Understood to be the first law to provide protection to students with special needs. Students with disabilities and special needs are protected from discrimination under this law. (GCU, n.d.) -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This Act ensured that all students received an education in the public school system. Along with their free public education students with disabilities also received special education services. (GCU, n.d.) -
Least Restrictive Environment
Essentially, this is about inclusion. This action regulated that all students with an individualized education program are in the general education classroom setting as much as possible. (GCU, n.d.) -
Handicapped Children’s Protection
This law shifted the norm and gave parents a bigger say in their child's individual education program. Parents were given their voice to advocate for their children. (GCU, n.d.) -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This law is upheld at schools and places of employment, ensuring that all individuals with special needs have the same rights as everyone else. It also protects them from discrimination at school, work, and public places. (GCU, n.d.) -
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
One of the most, if not the most important law that affects the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs. It covers a wide array of rules that protect students with disabilities. (GCU, n.d.) -
No Child Left Behind Act
The intent of this law was to not let kids fall through the cracks. This law set a goal for all students nationally to be at grade level in math and reading by 2014. (GCU, n.d.)
