-
Special education has developed into a distinct field over the past fifty years. For nearly two centuries following the establishment of the United States in 1776, there was limited advancement in advocating for the rights of students with disabilities.
https://www.alleducationschools.com/blog/history-of-special-education/ -
The first recorded public school class for students with disabilities was established by Elizabeth Ferrell within the New York City public school system in 1899. https://kappanonline.org/segregation-strengths-special-education-wehmeyer/#:~:text=The%20first%20recorded%20public%20school,Smith%20&%20Wehmeyer%2C%202022). -
In the court ruling of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, it was ruled that segregation violated equal educational opportunity. While this decision was based on the injustice of racial segregation, it established a broad understanding that all people deserve equal access to an adequate public education.
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/special-education-history-resources-advice2001.html#:~:text=1966:%20An%20amendment%20to%20the,individualized%20education%20program%20(IEP). -
The United States District Court for the District of Columbia determined that students with disabilities have a right to education, which cannot be denied on the grounds of the additional cost associated with necessary accommodations. The case, known as Mills, was a class action lawsuit initiated on behalf of seven children who were denied public education by the District of Columbia School. Presiding over the case, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Waddy ruled in favor of the students. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon. This legislation represents the first significant federal law pertaining to disability rights in the United States, facilitating access for numerous qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the federal workforce and that of federal contractors for the first time. -
President Gerald Ford implemented legislation designed to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (ECHA) was introduced to support states and localities in meeting the educational requirements of children with disabilities. At that time, more than 1 and 3.5 million children with disabilities were not permitted to attend public schools, and were enrolled in segregated educational settings. -
This significant piece of civil rights legislation recognizes the intrinsic dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their disabilities. The ADA prohibits discriminatory practices by local and state governments, establishes standards for privately owned businesses and commercial establishments, addresses workplace discrimination, and guarantees equitable access to healthcare social services, transportation, and telecommunications. -
The 1990 Amendments (Public Law 101 - 476) renamed the legislation as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and incorporated traumatic brain injury (TBI) and autism into the category of disabilities. Additionally, the amendments mandated the development of an individual transition plan for each student by the age of 16. -
These videos summarize the timeline of the history of special education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj2dBLi7zvQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj2dBLi7zvQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23Jes6PHzkk&t=26s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H90Po8tHbOU -
The No Child Left Behind law—the 2002 update of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act—effectively scaled up the federal role in holding schools accountable for student outcomes. -
President Bush implemented legislation that provides federal financial assistance to state and local education agencies, to ensure the delivery of special education and related services to children with disabilities who meet specific eligibility criteria. This initiative is consistent with the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which underscores the significance of academic achievement for all children with disabilities, ensuring their access to a free and appropriate public education.