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The First Permanent School for the Deaf Opens in the United States
On April 15, 1817, The Connecticut Asylum at Hartford for the Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons opens. This event is important because individuals who are deaf have the proper opportunity to become educated, paving the way for equal education for individualities with disabilities to be recognized. It's important to note that "dumb" during this time meant unable to speak.
Crowley, J. (n.d.). Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb. Retrieved from https://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/edu/essay.html?id=38 -
The New England Asylum for the Blind opens in the United States
On March 3, 1829, The New England Asylum for the Blind, now known as Perkins School for the Blind, opened. This is important because individuals who are visually impaired have the opportunity to properly be educated without their disability being a boundary. This helps pave the way for other disabilities to be recognized for future education
Perkins School for the Blind Incorporated. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.massmoments.org/moment-details/perkins-school-for-the-blind-incorporated.html -
The First "Experimental School for Teaching &Training Idiotic Children" Opens in the United States
In 1848, the Social Reformer, Samuel Gridley Howe, opened the first "Experimental School for Teaching and Training Idiotic Children". This school is important because it was the first school to focus on teaching individuals who have a mental disability. The school officially closed on November 29, 2014, with the title Fernald State School, after the first superintendent, Walter E. Fernald.
Fernald State School. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php/Fernald_State_School -
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is Founded
On August 10, 1922, the International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children was founded. This is important because this is the first advocacy group for individuals with disabilities and will pave the way to many other advocacy groups/ organizations.
CEC Milestones. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cec.sped.org/About-Us/CEC-Milestones -
The Influence of Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka
On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court Case of Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka would help influence the desegregation of Special Education. This is important because schools would incorporate inclusive instructional classrooms or integrate Special Education programs overall.
Esteves, K. J., & Rao, S. (2008). The Evolution of Special Education [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/resources/1/Principal/2008/N-Oweb2.pdf. -
Maternal and Child Health and Mental Retardation Planning Amendment to the Social Security Act
On October 24, 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Maternal and Child Health and Mental Retardation Planning Amendment to the Social Security Act. This is important because it was the first major legislation to combat intellectual disabilities and mental illness.
John F. Kennedy and People with Intellectual Disabilities. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2020, from https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/john-f-kennedy-and-people-with-intellectual-disabilities -
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed The Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is important for the history of Special Education because this Act outlawed all forms of discrimination in schooling, employment, and public spaces. This had previously violated equal education opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
History.com Editors. (2010, January 4). Civil Rights Act of 1964. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-act -
The Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley
On June 28, 1982, The Supreme Court case of the B.E.H.H.C.S.D v. Rowley was enacted. This is important because students that qualify for special education services were granted access to public school programs that would meet their needs.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2019, June 21). Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Board-of-Education-of-the-Hendrick-Hudson-Central-School-District-v-Rowley -
H.R. 1350, The Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEA 2004)
On July 1, 2005, the H.R. 1350, The Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) was enacted. This is important because this Act made changes to IEP procedures, special education placement decisions, and required schools to use the Response to Intervention (RTI) approach, as well as more.
American Educational History: A Hypertext Timeline. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2020, from http://www.eds-resources.com/educationhistorytimeline.html -
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) Amended
On January 1, 2009, The American with Disabilities Act of 2008 amended the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). This is important because this Act allowed the definition of the term "disability" to be broadened. The term now refers to any impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
Guides: A Brief History of Civil Rights in the United States: ADA Amendments Act of 2008. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/c.php?g=592919&p=4230126
