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Institution for Blind Children Was Created
After seeing a group of blind men being cruelly exhibited in a Paris sideshow, Valentin Huay, known as the "father and apostle of the blind," establishes the Institution for Blind Children to help make life for the blind more "tolerable." Huay also discovered that sightless persons could read texts printed with raised letters. -
Education for Mentally Disabled Started
Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard establishes the principles and methods used today in the education of the mentally disabled through his controversial work with Victor, the "wild boy of Aveyron." -
McLeans Asylum for the Insane Was Created
The first patient is admitted to the Charlestown branch of the Massachusetts General Hospital, which is later named the McLean Asylum for the Insane. The hospital will become one of the best-known mental health facilities in the country, with services attracting such artists as Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, James Taylor, and Susanna Kaysen (author of Girl, Interrupted). -
Civil Rights Bill Bypasses Persons with Disabilities
The Civil Rights Act is passed. While this act helps end discrimination against African Americans and women in the workplace, it does not make any provision for people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities still lack opportunities to participate in and be contributing members of society, are denied access to employment, and are discriminated against based on disability. -
Special Olympics Began
Special Olympics: Started in 1968, the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. -
IDEA Act (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Began
It ensures that students with a disability will be provided with free appropriate public education that is right for their needs. -
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Began
It is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. -
The M.O.R.G.A.N Project
The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project has identified caregiver support as a high priority. However, the “tools” that parents need to make their job easier are not readily available. These are essential items that not only assist the parents in properly and safely caring for their special-needs child, but enhance the Quality-of-life for the child at the same time. -
Friendship Circle
The Friendship Circle is today’s fastest growing Jewish organization for children with special needs. With over 80 locations worldwide the Friendship Circle has cultivated friendships between 7,000 special children and close to 11,000 teen volunteers. -
Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs
The Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs at the MA Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Federation for Children with Special Needs, is developing a searchable online directory of resources for providers and families of children and youth with special health care needs. The site is almost ready to go live -
Special Education Advocacy Was Created
It Had helped parents navigate the special education and gifted maze since 1998 through consultation and advocacy. -
Easter Seals
Children and adults with disabilities and special needs find highest-quality services designed to meet their individual needs when they come to Easter Seals. Teams of therapists, teachers and other health professionals help each person overcome obstacles to independence and reach his or her personal goals. Easter Seals also includes families as active members of any therapy program, and offers the support families need.