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American School for the Deaf
The American School for the Deaf was founded in Hartford, Connecticut by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, making it the first school for disabled children in the United States. (American School for the Deaf, 2021). -
Perkins Institution for the Blind
The Perkins Institution for the Blind was opened in Boston, Massachusetts. Chartered by Dr. John Dix Fisher and with Samuel Gridley Howe as the first director, this school was the first institute in the United States geared toward the education of individuals who had visual impairments and additional disabilities. The school was a live-in, boarding style school where students would stay to attend. (Perkins School for the Blind, 2021). -
Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind - Currently Gallaudet University
The Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind was founded in Washington, D.C. by Amos Kendall. Edward Miner Gallaudet, son of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, served as the first president of the institution. In 1864, it became the first institution in the U.S. approved to grant collegiate level degrees to disabled students. The institute has undergone many name changes but was officially changed to Gallaudet University in 1986 under President Ronald Reagan. (Gallaudet University, 2021). -
Beattie vs. Board of Education
A student with a disability causing involuntary facial contortions, drooling, and issues with speech was expelled from school because these issues made teachers and students nauseous. The case went before the Wisconsin Supreme Court and they ruled in favor of schools excluding students with disabilities. (Human Development Institute, 2012). -
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was created by founder and first president Elizabeth E. Farrell. It was created during the summer session of the Teachers College at Columbia University. It is currently one of the largest special education advocacy groups operating in all 50 states and Canada whose main goal is to provide professional development and ensure Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for special needs students. (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), 2021). -
Brown v. Board of Education
This court case overturned the previous ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson stating that "separate is not equal." While primarily known as a landmark case for the segregation of black and white students, this case also ruled on the separation of special needs students and general education students. This court case brought about the formation of advocacy groups for the establishment of public special needs educational programs. (Esteves & Rao, 2008). -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
This case overturned a Pennsylvania law, ruling that the state must provide free public education for children with mental retardation. Many decrees in this court case became the basis for the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975. (Public Interest Law Center, 2019). -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
This act is a federal law founded under the Ford Administration that has been strengthened and expanded since its foundation by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Its original intent was to require public schools to provide appropriate educational services for all children with disabilities between ages 3-21. School systems are provided funding based on meeting the federal guidelines for such programs. (Healthwise Staff, 2020). -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This was civil rights law enacted under the Bush Sr. Administration that prohibits the discrimination of any individual on the basis of their ability in all aspects of public life, including but not limited to careers, transportation, and education. (ADA National Network, 2021). -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This act was created in 1990, also under the Bush Sr. Administration, to guarantee and govern how state and public agencies provide early intervention and special education related services to school aged children. The act was reauthorized in 2004 and amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015. (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, 2021).