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The first permanent school for the Deaf in the U.S. opened in Hartford, CT. It established American Sign Language traditions and showed that students with disabilities could thrive with access and language. Its success inspired other specialized schools nationwide -
In Perkins became the first U.S. school for students who are blind. It advanced braille literacy, mobility, and inclusive expectations for graduates. Alumni like Laura Bridgman and Helen Keller helped shift public views about capability and education. -
The CEC formed to professionalize special education. From the start it emphasized standards, preparation, and ethics for serving learners with disabilities. Today it remains a key voice for research-based practice and inclusion.
CEC. -
In Parent groups created the Arc to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization fought segregation in institutions and pushed for schooling and community life. Its national and state chapters still drive inclusion. -
In Brown ended de jure school segregation and reframed separate as inherently unequal. Though not a special-education case, it laid civil-rights groundwork for access and integration. Later disability cases drew on its equal protection logic. -
The ESEA brought federal funds to high need schools and established accountability. It set conditions later used to expand services and access for students with disabilities. Its modern successor is ESSA (2015) -
In Parents won the first right to education case for children with intellectual disabilities. Pennsylvania agreed to provide free public education and due process. The settlement influenced laws nationwide. -
The court held D.C. must educate all children with disabilities regardless of cost. Mills broadened access beyond PARC’s focus and required procedures, services, and placements. It set the stage for federal legislation -
The Section 504 prohibits disability discrimination in federally funded programs, including public schools. It requires reasonable accommodations and equal access beyond special-ed eligibility. OCR’s updates clarify protections today -
In After a 1972 exposé revealed abuse at Willow brook State School, families won a consent decree improving care and accelerating deinstitutionalization. The case advanced community integration and children’s right to education.
https://youtu.be/TOTRv12g_dw?si=DNdxiIs1JPHUiPuP -
The EAHCA guaranteed FAPE, IEPs, and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) so students learn with non disabled peers when appropriate. It also ensured due process and related services. This law later became IDEA -
The Court said FAPE is met when schools provide personalized instruction enabling educational benefit, not maximal potential. Rowley became a foundational IDEA case guiding services and expectations
http://youtu.be/vIXSW-DYVm8?si=mCtvvku-MWZI6yks -
ADA is a broad civil rights law covering employment, public services, and public accommodations. It complements IDEA/504 by removing barriers across community life. Accessibility and nondiscrimination extend beyond school walls. -
In congress strengthened access to the general education curriculum, participation in statewide assessments, and collaboration with general educators. the reauthorization reinforced LRE and accountability for progress. -
The Court raised the FAPE bar IEPs must be appropriately ambitious and enable progress in light of the child’s circumstances. Endrew F. invigorated expectations for measurable, meaningful growth for students with disabilities.
Supreme Court.