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American School for the Deaf
The American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb was the first special school established in the U.S., on April 15, 1817. In the nineteenth century, many asylums provided special educational programs, since education was a prominent part of moral therapy. Major cities had launched special classes within regular public schools for immigrant students who were not proficient in English or had behavioral disorders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sObsOsn6rI -
Perkins School for the Blind
The Perkins School for the Blind was founded in Massachusetts by Samuel Gridley Howe, in the summer of 1832. Furthermore, he successfully influenced the creation of several state legislatures to establish residential schools for blind people. He and his strong ally Horace Mann envisioned the day when blind children could attend the common schools. They emphasized positive reinforcement instead of punishment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D8D68RRHo8 -
Council for Exceptional Children
The International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children was established on August 10, 1922. However, the name was changed to Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in 1958. The CEC released studies to help improve teaching for exceptional learners as well as improved policies. It provided teachers with online access to the organization’s resources and products. The CEC also offered special education teachers an online space to communicate with each other.
https://www.cec.sped.org/ -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensured civil rights for the disabled people in federally funded institutions or any program or activity receiving Federal assistance. It required accommodations including special study area, access to buildings and structures, and improved integration into society. Act 504 applied to all disabled people throughout their lifetimes and provided them with employment opportunities.
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/reg/narrative.html -
The NAPSEC Foundation
The National Association of Private Special Education Centers gives support and education about the issues faced by disabled people and their families. It is a non-profit association that represents private special education centers and their leaders. The group promotes programs for individuals with disabilities and their families and advocates for access to alternative placements and services. It helps individuals who are no longer eligible for services under IDEA.
http://www.napsec.org/ -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act enforced the right of disabled children to receive a free, appropriate education. This law helped bring federal funds into schools to help them create special education for children who did not learn the same way as general education students. This law made sure that all students receive related services to meet their unique needs. It was also aimed at protecting the rights of children with disabilities and their parents. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
ADA was signed into law by George H.W. Bush. It addressed issues like access to the workplace, state and local government services, public accommodation and commercial facilities, telecommunications for people with hearing or speech impairments, and instructions to Federal agencies that enforced the law. ADA covered disabilities like sight, hearing, and speech impairments, also emotional and learning disorders.
https://www.access-board.gov/the-board/laws/americans-with-disabilities-act-intro -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA emphasized the use of individual education plans for all special education students and of individualized transition plans to best prepare students for success in their adult lives. IDEA made available free appropriate public education to eligible children throughout the country and ensured special education and related services to them. It determined how states and public agencies should provide early intervention, special education, and related services.
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/ -
No child Left Behind Act 2001
The No Child Left Behind Act was enacted by President George W. Bush to ensure accountability to schools, added technology, and loan programs. It represented a significant step forward in special education as it shined a light on where students were making progress and where they needed additional support, regardless of race, income, disability, home language, or background.
https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/policies/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-esea/no-child-left-behind-act-2001 -
Every Student Succeeds Act
President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act into law in 2015. This law enforced equity by upholding critical protections for America's disadvantaged and high-need students. All students should be taught to high academic standards that would prepare them to succeed in college and careers. Annual statewide assessments would be used to measure students' progress toward those high standards. Schools would be accountable for their students’ progress.
https://youtu.be/ZINwnEPhiFM
