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In 1814, Mr. Hopkins Gallaudet met a deaf young lady. He traveled to Europe to learn about the art of deaf children and visited the work of a well-known deaf school in Paris, the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds. He then recruited a young deaf teacher to join him to come to the USA to establish the first permanent school for the deaf.
First American Deaf School -
President Lincoln signed the charter creating the worlds only liberal arts university for Deaf and hard of hearing students. This act provided federal support and recognition. Gallaudet became a home for deaf scholarship and culture. [Galludet] https://gallaudet.edu/about/history-traditions/?)
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Educators formed CEC to professionalize special education and set standards. The group has shaped policy, practice, and preparation for teachers. Its formation signaled organized advocacy for student with disabilities. [Exceptional Children] https://exceptionalchildren.org/)
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Parents founded The Arc to promote inclusion and community living for people with special needs. It grew nationwide, influencing services and policy. The Arc remains a leading civil-rights voice for disability
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The Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board, declared racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. It stands as a pivotal moment in US history. National Archives
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This was when the federal court ordered D.C. schools to educate students with disabilities regardless of cost. Mills expanded the right to public education and due process. It pushed congress toward comprehensive legislation.
([Civil Rights Litigation Clearing house]https://clearinghouse.net/case/11084/) -
Section 504 banned disability discrimination in federally funded programs, including school. It ensures access and accommodations in general education. The law seeded later ADA protections. ([Youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmQGS3Igl88&t=4s)
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Congress required public schools to provide FAPE through individualized programs and related services. Children were to be educated as closely as possible to other students. This landmark act built the modern special ED system.
([Congress.gov]https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48068?utm) -
This case secured public education for students with intellectual disabilities. It required due process and services-prefiguring federal law. PARC accelerated nation wide reforms. [Public Education] https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-association-for-retarded-citizens-parc-v-commonwealth-of-pennsylvania/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)