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Rev. Thomas Gallaudet founded the first U.S. school for the deaf in Hartford, CT, opening a new chapter in American education. This marked the beginning of organized special education in the nation and provided a model for future schools. Using sign language, the school gave children access to literacy, communication, and inclusion who had long been excluded from classrooms. ASL -
Samuel Gridley Howe opened Perkins in Boston, the first U.S. school for blind children, offering new opportunities for learning. It introduced braille, mobility training, and innovative teaching methods that helped students achieve independence. This institution became a national model for future schools serving students with visual impairments and influenced programs worldwide. Perkins -
Congress chartered the National College for the Deaf and Dumb, now Gallaudet University, through legislation signed by President Abraham Lincoln. It became the first higher education institution in the world for deaf students, creating a space where they could thrive academically. Gallaudet also opened doors for leadership, community building, and career opportunities previously unavailable. Gallaudet -
The National Education Association created a Department of Special Education to focus on the needs of students with disabilities. This step formally recognized the importance of teacher training, advocacy, and professional development in the field. By establishing this department, the NEA helped spread awareness, consistency, and structure for special education across the United States. Department -
Elizabeth Farrell founded the Council for Exceptional Children, one of the earliest organizations focused entirely on special education. The group provided advocacy, professional development, and policy guidance to support teachers and improve services for students with special needs. Today, CEC remains a leading international voice promoting equity, best practices, and opportunities for children with disabilities. CEC -
The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson. Though centered on race, the decision strongly influenced the disability rights movement. It established the legal precedent that “separate is not equal,” later applied to children with disabilities to argue for equal educational opportunities. Brown -
The court affirmed that children with intellectual disabilities had the right to a free public education, challenging the practice of exclusion. Families finally gained access to schools that had previously denied entry to their children. This landmark case laid the foundation for Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and influenced later federal legislation protecting students’ rights. PARC -
Section 504 banned discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program receiving federal funds, including schools. It extended civil rights protections to education, workplaces, and community services, ensuring greater access. This groundbreaking law laid the foundation for accessibility and equal opportunity in American education, influencing later legislation like the ADA. 504 -
Congress passed PL 94-142, guaranteeing Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for children with disabilities. The law required schools to provide due process, nondiscriminatory testing, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and placement in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). It transformed U.S. education by mandating equal access and services for millions of students. 94-142 -
PL 94-142 was renamed IDEA, marking a major expansion of services for students with disabilities. It added autism and traumatic brain injury as categories, required transition planning, and strengthened inclusion in general education classrooms. The law also emphasized parent involvement in educational decision-making, ensuring families had a central role in their child’s learning plan. IDEA -
The ADA extended civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities beyond schools into workplaces, transportation, telecommunications, and all areas of public life. It prohibited discrimination and required accessibility standards across communities nationwide. This landmark law helped create a more inclusive society, ensuring equal opportunities and participation for all people with disabilities. ADA