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American School for the Deaf
This was the first school for disabled children in America. The American School of the Deaf opened in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817 and was one of the first schools to receive federal funding for elementary and secondary special education. The school was founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. Known as the birthplace of American Sign Language. -
Beattie v. Board of Education
The Wisconsin Supreme Court upholds a ruling that a student could be excluded from a school based on a disability. The student, Beattie, had a condition that caused drooling and facial contortions. School officials that argued the student required too much time of the teacher and caused disruptions to the learning environment. Therefore, a decision was upheld that kept children with cerebral palsy out of school. -
Council for exceptional Children
Council for Exceptional Children is organized by a group of administrators and supervisors attending the summer session at Teachers College, Columbia University, and their faculty members. The CEC is the world’s largest professional organization committed to expanding the scholastic achievement of individuals with special needs. It has assisted in the passing of multiple legislations in special education. CEC maintains core values, including visionary, integrity, and inclusiveness. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Known as the court case that overturned Plessy v. Ferguson case declaring “Separate is not equal bringing attention to segregation in schools and amongst special need students. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional.
This case encouraged the formation of many advocacy groups to inform the public of need of special education programs. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that the child with a disability has equal access to an education. The child may receive accommodations and modifications. This law is considered the first law giving protection to individuals with special needs not only in school but also on public places.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxx6rQqIjpY) -
Handicapped Children’s Protection Act
Signed by Ronald Regan the Handicapped Children’s Protection Act was a law that gave parents of children with disabilities more say in the development of their child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to authorize the award of reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses, and costs to the parents or guardian of a handicapped child in a civil suit. -
Americans with Disabilties Act
Signed into law by President George W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act promises people with special needs will have the same rights as everybody else in both school and work. This act also stated that people with special needs cannot be discriminated against in schools, the workplace, and everyday society such as public transportation. -
Individuals with Disabilties Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was also signed into law by George W. Bush and protects the rights of students with disabilities across the nation to ensure they receive proper education and services. IDEA outlines how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to our youth with disabilities.
(https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/) -
No Child Left Behind Act
Reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; it included Title I provisions applying to disadvantaged students. It supported standards-based education reform based on the premise that setting high standards and establishing measurable goals could improve individual outcomes in education. This ensured states and educators hold responsibility for students’ academic performance. The Act also required states to develop assessments in basic skills. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 mandates equity, accountability and excellence in education for children with disabilities. The regulations for IDEA assure children with disabilities and their parents the following basic rights: FAPE, evaluation, IEP specifications, redefines LRE, ensuring parents and families participate in the special education process, as well as a revision in the procedural safeguards for individuals and families.
