Timeline of the History of Special Education

American Asylum for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb

Apr 15, 1817

In 1817, Rev. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet becomes principal of the American Asylum for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb, the first residential school in the U.S. This was the first permanent school to open up for students with disabilities, which makes this a significant part of history.

Braille Code

Jul 27, 1834

In 1834, Louis Braille publishes the Braille code. Louis Braille first published his idea of using dots as a form of reading and identifying letters in 1829.

First public school class for children with hearing impairments open in Boston

Jul 28, 1869

1869 - First public school class for children with hearing impairments open in Boston. Helen Keller was a well known individual who was associated with this school.

National Education Association establishes a section for teachers of children with disabilities

Jul 28, 1897

1897 – National Education Association establishes a section for teachers of children with disabilities. Children with disabilities is becoming more known and expanded.

Association for Retarded Children (ARC)

Jul 28, 1950

1950 – Association for Retarded Children (ARC) is founded (known today as the Association for Retarded Citizens, or simply the Arc)

Association for Children with Learning Disabilities

Jul 28, 1963

1963 – Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (forerunner to Learning Disabilities Association of America) is organized.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)

1975

1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act is passed; landmark legislation ensures, among other provisions, a free and appropriate public education for all children with disabilities

Americans with DIsabilites Act

1990

1990 – Americans with DIsabilites Act becomes law; prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Jul 28, 1992

1922 – Organization that later would become the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is founded in New York City.

IDEA Reauthorized

Jan 1, 2001

Students with disabilities are now required to be included on state and district-wide assessments. Regular Education Teachers are to be included on the IEP team.

No Child Left Behind

Jul 9, 2007

All students including those with disabilities should be proficient in math and reading by the year 2014.