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The American School for the Deaf was established in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817. It was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States. It marked an important milestone in special education by delivering a structured instruction in American Sign Language (ASL). -
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. It provides resources, advocacy, and professional development for special education professionals. CEC has played a key role in shaping special education policy and practice. -
Is a Supreme Court decision declaring that racial segregation in public schools was and is unconstitutional. Although the case focused on race, it laid a foundation for future disability rights cases by launching the standard that all children deserve equal access to education. It motivated supporters to challenge the exclusion of students with disabilities from public schools. -
This case was one of the first to challenge the exclusion of students with disabilities from public schools. The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) argued that denying education to children with intellectual disabilities violated their constitutional rights. The court ruled in favor of PARC, setting a precedent that all children, regardless of disability, are entitled to a free public education. -
Section 504 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance, including public schools. It guarantees that students with disabilities have equal access to education. It may also require schools to provide accommodation. -
Also known as Public Law 94-142, this act required public schools to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to children with disabilities. It emphasized individualized education plans (IEPs) and placed students in the least restrictive environment possible. This video illustrates the groundwork for what IDEA is today. Watch This Video -
The ADA is an all-inclusive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. This includes schools, employment, transportation, and public accommodations. The ADA ensures accessibility and equal opportunity in education and beyond.
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NCLB intended to improve academic outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities, by increasing accountability for schools and educators. It required states to assess student progress and take apart data by subgroup, including disability status. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), originally the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, has been reauthorized several times to improve services and outcomes for students with disabilities. Each reauthorization has added new requirements, such as increased accountability, better parent involvement, and early intervention services. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), passed in 2015, replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and gives states more control over education. It requires states to set high academic standards. Students are tested annually in reading, math, and science, and a multi-indicator accountability system that includes academic achievement, student growth, graduation rates, and at least one indicator of school quality or student success.