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American School for the Deaf
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf in the United States. It was founded on April 15, 1817, in West Hartford, Connecticut. This school was founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, Dr. Mason Cogswell, and Laurent Clerc. ASO became a state-supported school later that same year. -
Braille Code
Braille is a tactile writing system that is used by individuals who are visually impaired. Braille is named after its creator, Louis Braille, a Frenchman who lost his sight as a result of a childhood accident. -
First Professional Association
Edouard Seguin established the first private school in America dedicated to the education of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) is the oldest professional association concerned with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD advocates for the equality, dignity, and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and for their full inclusion in society. -
Elizabeth Farrell
Elizabeth Farrell was the founder of the first ungraded class in U.S. public schools, the developer of the basic principles and concepts under which special education still operates, and one of the founders of the Council for Exceptional Children. Elizabeth developed a program for children who were seen as "backwards" or "slow learning" in New York City. -
Vineland Training School
The Vineland Training School inaugurates training programs for teachers of students with mental retardation. This facility is a non-profit organization in Vineland, New Jersey with the mission of educating people with developmental disabilities so they can live independently. It has been a leader in research and testing. -
The Stanford-Binet Scale
The Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales is an individually administered intelligence test that was revised from the original Binet–Simon Scale. It is a cognitive ability and intelligence test that is used to diagnose developmental or intellectual deficiencies in young children. The test measures weighted factors and consists of both verbal and nonverbal exams.The five factors being tested are knowledge, quantitative reasoning, visual-spatial processing, working memory, and fluid reasoning. -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council was created to ensure the needs of children and youth with exceptionalities are met in educational legislation, establishes professional standards for the field and develops initiatives to improve special education practice. CEC is THE source for information, resources and professional development for special educators. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) is passed; landmark legislation ensures, among other provisions, a free and appropriate public education for all children with disabilities -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Americans with Disabilities Act (PL 101-336) becomes a law. This prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The final version of the bill was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush. It was later amended in 2008 and signed by President George W. Bush with changes effective as of January 1, 2009. -
No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 (NCLB) was a U.S. Act of Congress that reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; it included Title I provisions applying to disadvantaged students. This act supported standards-based education reform based on the premise that setting high standards and establishing measurable goals could improve individual outcomes in education. The Act required states to develop assessments in basic skills. -
IDEA Reauthorized
Students with disabilities are now required to be included on state and district-wide assessments. Regular Education Teachers are to be included on the IEP team.