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Education for Mentally Disabled
Jean Marc Gaspard Itard established the principals and methods used in education for those mentally disabled. He wrote the first IEP (Individual Education Plan) for a child who was non-verbal and lacked emotions. Itard’s goal was to civilize this child and help the child communicate and show human emotion. For more information: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Jean_Marc_Gaspard_Itard -
Formal Deaf Education Begins in the U.S
Thomas H. Gallaudet left the U.S to go to Europe in order to learn how to teach the deaf. He founded the Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Person in Hartford, Connecticut with Laurent Clerc. This was the first permanent school for the deaf in America. It first opened its doors on April 15, 1817. For more information:
https://www.asd-1817.org/about/history--cogswell-heritage-house# -
The Raised Point Alphabet was Invented
Louis Braille invented the raised point alphabet. This system contained braille signs that relate to the 26 letters of the Roman alphabet. It was first taught at the St. Louis School for the Blind in 1860. For more information:
http://www.duxburysystems.org/downloads/library/history/lb_1829/nfb_intro.htm -
Beattie vs. Board of Education
The Wisconsin supreme court ruled that a student with physical disabilities could be excluded from school. This was the case of a student who was expelled from school because of a condition that causes one to droll and have facial abnormalities. Although the student did fine academically, the teachers and classmates were disturbed by the presence of the student. For more information: http://servingstudentswithspecialneeds.blogspot.com/p/history-of-special-education.html -
The ARC was Founded
The ARC works with Americans with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. This foundation provides Americans with disabilities services that can support their growth and development. -
Public Entities Can’t Discriminate
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 made it illegal for federal agencies, public universities and other public institutions receiving and federal funds to discriminate based on disability. For more information: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf -
Law Guarantees Free, Appropriate, Public Education for all Disabled Children
The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) was signed into law. It guarantees a free, appropriate, public education for all children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. This act allows infants and children and you up to age 21 to receive special education and related services. For more information:
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66g6TbJbs2g -
National Council on Disability Established
The National Council on Disability was established as an advisory board within the Department of Education. The purpose of the council is to promote policies, programs, practices and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all people with a disability. It helps to encourage those with disabilities to achieve economic stability, independent living and inclusion into society. For more information: https://ncd.gov/about -
Assistive Technology Initiative
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 was passed. This act increased the availability of and funding of assistive technology through the state. It also provided training for professionals and caregivers who provide services to individuals with disabilities. For more information: https://www.kidstogether.org/at.htm -
The Americans with Disabilities Act Becomes Law
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by George H.W Bush. It is the most important civil rights law since Title 504. This act guarantees equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in society. For more information: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq9805.html -
Accessible Computer and Telecomm Equipment
The Telecommunications Act passes and requires that computers, telephones, closed captioning and many other telecommunication devices and equipment be made accessible for individuals with disabilities. For more information: https://www.access-board.gov/the-board/laws/telecommunications-act -
History of Disability Rights Enters Curricula
The first bill requiring that students in a K-12 public school system be taught the history of the disability rights movement was passed For more information: https://inclusiverec.org/sites/default/files/temp/Disability_History.pdf.
