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The first permanent school in the U.S. established for deaf students was the American School of the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, founded by Thomas Gallaudet. It offered specialized training, which was a change compared to institutionalization (Ponce et al., 2021). This school pioneered in attending to specific needs concerning disability. Flag Keywords: American School for the Deaf -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was formed to speak in favor of students with learning disabilities. It helps teachers in professional growth and materials (Mainzer et al., 2021). CEC is still one of the essential bodies that promote special education policies. Flag Keywords: CEC Founded Website
Link: https://exceptionalchildren.org/ -
The Supreme Court decided that segregation of schools on a racial basis was unconstitutional, which affected special education. It fought against separate but equal education principles on the road to inclusive education (Pitts, 2007). This ruling motivated educational equality for all. Flag Keywords: Brown v. Board -
Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act outlawed discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs. It secured education for students with disabilities (Anderson, 2007). This legislation formed the basis for other inclusive laws. Flag Keywords: Section 504 VRA -
Public Law 94-142, later called IDEA, required free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). It necessitated Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities (Ramalho, 2024). This legislation changed access to special education. Flag Keywords: EAHCA / IDEA
IDEA Video Link: https://youtu.be/Xu6xIl1axs4 -
The description of the Handicapped Infants and Toddlers Program was an amendment of the IDEA, which offered early intervention services to infants and toddlers who could not learn (birth to age 2). It took care of families through total services (Anderson, 2007). The program focused attention on early assistance of developmental needs. Flag Keywords: Early Intervention -
The Education of All Handicapped Children Act was changed into the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). It highlighted LRE and mandated justifications of non-general education placements (Ramalho, 2024). This enhanced inclusion education. Flags Keywords: IDEA Reauthorized -
In 1990, mainstreaming was a practice wherein students with disabilities could participate in general education classrooms during some parts of the day (Grech, 2023). It was aligned with LRE values and provided opportunities for both social and academic integration. It represented a move toward inclusion. Flag Keywords: Mainstreaming -
The NCLB Act was signed by President Bush, which increased accountability for every student, including students with disabilities, in schools. It established academic standards. This created legislation that supported inclusive education with a prior district (Spellings, 2007). Flag Keywords: NCLB -
The Individuals with Disability Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) increased the funding for early intervention, and required teachers to be trained on student needs. With the IDEA there was a more referencing of LRE and inclusive of general school (Ramalho, 2024). This legislation increased inclusive practice more. Flag Keywords: IDEIA