Special Education Timeline

  • Establishment of Perkins School for the Blind

    The first school in the U.S of A, (Boston,MA) dedicated to providing education for individuals with visual impairments making a way for future educational milestones in special education.
  • Establishment of the American Association on Mental Deficiency

    The AAMD, now known as the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Deficiencies aimed to promote the understanding and support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Spanish Braille for Blind Students

    Spanish Braille code was made the standard for blind students. It provided a tactile reading and writing system for students who used Spanish as their primary language and allowed participation with other students with sight.
  • Council for Exceptional Children

    This organization played a key role in advocating for the rights and needs of students with disabilities, advocating for research, and providing professional development opportunities.
  • World Federation of the Deaf

    This organization played a vital role in furthering sign language recognition, enhancing educational opportunities, and promoting the cultural identity of the deaf community.
  • National Association for the Gifted Children

    This organization played an important role in highlighting the needs of exceptional learners and promoting specialized programming to nurture their talents and abilities.
  • Brown v. Board of Education

    This landmark Supreme Court case ruled that racial segregation was unconstitutional in public schools. This court case also served as a legal precedent for challenging discriminatory practices against students with disabilities.
  • Creation of the Learning Disabilities Association of America

    This association raised awareness, provided resources, and promoted effective instructional strategies for learners with specific learning disabilities.
  • Inception of the Special Olympics

    This event highlights the importance of inclusive sports and recreational activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, social integration, and breaking barriers.
  • Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia

    The Supreme Court ruled that students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education, regardless of severity of their disability. Giving students access to a quality education.
  • Enactment of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    IDEA was signed into law reauthorizing and expanding the rights and protections granted under the Education for Handicapped Children Act. It emphasizes the importance of IEPs, parental involvement, and inclusive practices.
  • Introduction of Response to Intervention Framework

    New approach to identifying and supporting students with learning difficulties. It is a multi-tiered system of interventions that targets support to students based on specific needs and helping in the early identification of learning challenges.