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The American School for the Deaf
In 1817, Thomas Gallaudet took action on the matter of special education. In Hartford, Connecticut, Thomas Gallaudet founded the first school for deaf students of the United States. The school was initially named American Asylum for the Education of the deaf and Dumb, however today people regard to the school as The American school for the Deaf.
https://www.asd-1817.org/ -
Perkins School for the Blind
Perkins School for the blind, founded in 1829 by Samuel Gridley Howe, was the first school for blind students in the United States. The mission of this school is help children with their disabilities find their place and meaning in the world. They serve children and growing adults with special needs, their families, educators, researchers, and professionals.
https://www.perkins.org/ -
Council for Exceptional Children
The CEC founded by Elizabeth E. Farrell in 1922; Farrell was known to be the first person to teach a special education class in a public school setting, this is how she developed basic principles of special ed. CEC advocates for appropriate government policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, and allows professionals to obtain conditions and resources applicable for effective practice place.
https://youtu.be/54bB1J24XDw?si=MaeyFi-BnL6s8YNB -
The Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first major federal law in the United States focused on protecting the rights of people with disabilities. This act provided newer opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities like chances to enter the federal contractor workforce. This act made a huge influence on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
https://youtu.be/chWOIyUv9_E?si=6ffh_Sq-12ydY5qd -
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
James Gallagher is known to be the founder of IEP, he was a strong advocate for the beliefs that all children have the right to a free and appropriate public education, no matter their abilities or disabilities. IEP was first brought to school systems when the right of disabled students were legally acknowledged in the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. https://www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/fccdhh/education/parents.html -
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was initially enacted in 1975 as “The Education of Handicapped Children Act”; however, the law was amended in 1990 and the name was changed back to IDEA. The Purpose of IDEA is to provide children with disabilities free and appropriate public education, and to protect the rights of students with disabilities as well as their parents.
https://youtu.be/3XMndYNEGFA?si=mLV6XYG5SNEct64d -
Best Buddies
Best Buddies International is an American nonprofit organization founded by Anthony Shriver; this nonprofit organization was formed to build one-to-one friendships, integrated employment opportunities, and leadership development programs for individuals with (and without) intellectual and development disabilities. Best Buddies is also commonly known as a club in schools to support students with disabilities.
https://youtu.be/F4IULAzru-8 -
Friendship Circle
Friendship Circle was founded in 1994 and based in South Florida by Rabbi Levi and Bessie Shemtov; the program aims to create friendships and connections between students with and without disabilities.Friendship Circle is known to offer a variety of social, recreational, and even educational programs for children and young adults with special needs.https://www.friendshipcirclemiami.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwodC2BhAHEiwAE67hJPLitV-0gRVXwkBbERlF6L89v4ZaZmIq-UhIE5FojsqsB1Ht8SiIkxoCAr0QAvD_BwE -
No Child Left Behind
In 2002, President Bush had signed the two-party “No Child Left Behind Act”. NCLB was a federal law that included students with special needs in its accountability system. NCLB also worked along with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to better improvise education for students with disabilities. The purpose of this Act is for all students to receive equal, high-quality education.
https://www2.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml -
InclusiveU
InclusiveU is a program at Syracuse University that offers a college experience for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This program offers opportunities like individual coursework, internships, peer counseling, and many more. InclusiveU was founded in 2014, the program began with only 14 students and now has over 100 students! https://taishoffcenter.syr.edu/inclusiveu/