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First School of Special Education
The American School for the Deaf was founded on April 15, 1817, in Hartford, CT. This became the very first school for disabled children in the Western Hemisphere and was also the first school of primary and secondary to receive aid from the federal government. The American School for the death is known to have had approximately 6,000 graduates. It currently hosts a museum with a variety of old and rare artifacts important in its history. -
Degrees Made Available in Special Education
The Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, became recognized by congress to allow all students attending to be able to obtain college degrees. This was the first time in American history that those attending a special education school, or individuals with disabilities, were able to obtain a college degree. During the second year of the college being open there were thirteen students enrolled, and Congress appropriated $39,000 for renovations and additions. -
First Advocacy Group
The Council for exceptional Children was the first advocacy group for children with disabilities. It is also now the largest international professional organization for improving the education of individuals with disabilities. Its main objective is to facilitate children with special needs by being able to receive free appropriate public education, also known as FAPE. This organization also provides support, continuing education and resources for teachers, families, and students. -
Brown V. Board of Education
The case of Brown v. Board of Education overturned the famous Plessy v. Ferguson case expressing that “separate is not equal”. This case fought for the equal right of blacks v. whites as well as students with special needs v. students of general education. Although many may think of this case being more racially inclined, it encouraged many advocacy groups which further informed the public of the dire need of special education programs. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was signed into law by president Lyndon B. Johnson. This act provides federal funding to primary and secondary education and aims to facilitate equal access to education for all students. This act is known to be one of the most successful federal legislation's ever passed. -
Section 504
Section 504 is a civil rights statute that protects students with disabilities form discrimination. This statute requires that the needs of a student with disabilities be met in the same way as the needs of a non-disabled student. Even though Section 504 does not provide funding for special education or related services, it does permit the federal government to withhold funding from any program that does not comply with the law. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was passed in 1975 requiring all public schools that accepted federal funds to provide equal access to education as well as one free meal a day for children with physical and mental disabilities. This included special education for children form ages 3-21, supplemental services, due process, and even least restrictive environment. This act was revised and renamed as “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” in 1990. -
Least Restrictive Environment
Least Restrictive Environment provides an environment to students with disabilities where they can learn along side non-disabled students to the maximum extent. It states that even if a child needs supplemental services or additional aid, they should still be able to attend classes in general education.
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Americans With Disability Act
The Americans with disability act came into effect in 1990 prohibiting discrimination of any kind towards individuals with disabilities. This act strives for equality of all individuals and so that everyone has the same rights and opportunities in all aspects of life, not only in education. This includes all public settings such as jobs, schools, transportation, and state and government services. -
No Chile Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind Act requires all public schools to administer standardized testing to all students annually in efforts to have measurable goals. By administering standardized tests and evaluating the scores, it is believed we are better able to assist them in the specific areas necessary. The Department of Educated has stated improved achievement in reading and math for students. Despite some controversy, it has proven to have a positive effect.
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