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First School for the Deaf
This school was originally named The Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb. It soon became the American School for the Deaf and was the first permanent school for the deaf in the U.S. Comprehensive educational programs were provided to service the deaf and hard-of-hearing students. -
Perkins School for the Blind
Originally named the New England Asylum for the Blind, the school’s mission was to be the forefront of education and accessibility for people who are blind or with visual impairments. The Perkins school has since expanded its mission to include resources to assist families with visually impaired/blind children and teachers as well. In the 21st century, Perkins has partnered with Asian countries to host an online community for educators, families, and caregivers. -
Council for Exceptional Children
This organization was dedicated to improving the educational success of children with disabilities and gifts/talents. In 1922, a small group of faculty members at Teachers College (Colombia University) organized this group to discuss ways to help students with disabilities. By the fourth meeting, there were about 400 members present from across the U.S.
https://exceptionalchildren.org/ -
Elem. and Secondary Education Act
This act was created to support initiatives to help low-income families receive high quality educational programs. It also helps children/families who migrated to the U.S and young adults from intervention programs who were neglected or abused. This act furthermore helps to assist families/children with the rights to special education placement. -
Mills vs. Board of Education
This court case marked a time in history to secure avenues for disabled students access to equal education. It implied that no child, no matter the mental, physical, and or emotional disabilities could be denied a public education. After the ruling was announced, it was not unlawful to for the Board of education to deny any disabled individual a publicly funded opportunity. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
This act supported states/localities to protect the rights, meet the individual needs, and improve the results of infants, toddlers, children, and young adults with disabilities along with their families. The name of this act was later changed to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in 1990 and was also the first defined least restrictive environment. Before the EAHCA was established, many children with disabilities were denied access to education/opportunities to learn. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA provided an extensive amount civil rights protections for people with disabilities and included constraints against employment discriminations/mandates to make public accommodations accessible. It also allows equal opportunities for employment, transportation, and accommodations. Although some barriers and discrimination continue to exist, the ADA had a deep impact on people with disabilities to be able to participate in public life.
https://youtu.be/TuZadMDve-E -
Assistive Technology Act of 2004
President George Bush signed this law into existence in order to continue major funding for assistive technology. It provides assistive technology to people with disabilities to ensure full participation in education, employment, and daily activities. Although it was originally passed in 1988, it needs to be continuously renewed to administer its services to those who need it. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education
IDEIA ensures that children/students with disabilities are given a free appropriate public education (FAPE) so their needs are met. Despite the severity of the disability, no child is rejected, and an IEP (individualized education program) must be in place. It is furthermore enforced to have children with disabilities be educated in a class with children without disabilities to increase normalcy and inclusion. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
The ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind Act that was authorized in 2002. It focuses on improving educational outcomes for all students, including students who demonstrate low performance in academia. ESSA protects disadvantaged and high-need students.