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American School for the Deaf founded
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc establish the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. This marks the beginning of formal education for deaf students in the United States. The school introduces American Sign Language, revolutionizing communication for the deaf community. -
New England Asylum for the Blind established
Samuel Gridley Howe founds the New England Asylum for the Blind, later renamed Perkins School for the Blind. This Boston-based institution becomes a pioneer in education for visually impaired students. Howe develops embossed books, laying groundwork for the Braille system in America. -
Experimental School for Teaching and Training Idiotic Children opened
The first public school for children with intellectual disabilities opens in Massachusetts. Founded by Samuel Gridley Howe, it marks a significant step in recognizing the educational needs of all children. This school paves the way for future special education programs across the country. -
Brown v. Board of Education decision
The U.S. Supreme Court rules that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. While focused on racial integration, this landmark case establishes the principle that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. This decision later influences arguments for including students with disabilities in mainstream education. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnQYYm-2nsg) -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. While primarily aimed at improving education for disadvantaged children, it lays the groundwork for future special education legislation. The act provides federal funding to states for educating students with disabilities.
(https://www.ed.gov/essa) -
Mills v. Board of Education case
This landmark court decision establishes that all children with disabilities have a right to public education, regardless of the cost to school districts. The ruling requires Washington D.C. schools to provide free and appropriate education to students with disabilities. This case significantly influences subsequent special education legislation. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)
Congress passes the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, ensuring free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities. This act introduces the concept of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), promoting inclusion in general education settings when possible. It also mandates Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
(https://sites.ed.gov/idea/IDEA-History) -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The EHA is reauthorized and renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IDEA expands the definition of disabilities and adds autism and traumatic brain injury as distinct categories. It also emphasizes the importance of transition planning for students moving from school to post-school activities. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
President George W. Bush signs the No Child Left Behind Act to increase the achievement of all students including those with disability. For instance, NCLB demands that schools report performance of students with disabilities separately and expects schools to help improve performance of these students. It has a profound effect on special education delivery in the public schools. (https://study.com/academy/lesson/video/no-child-left-behind-special-education.html) -
IDEA reauthorization
IDEA is again renewed and modified by congress and this time it is reoriented towards NCLB. This revision stresses on the quality of instruction to students with disabilities and its basis on research. It also reforms the IEP process and changes the discipline for students with disabilities.