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American School for the Deaf (originally the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons) https://www.asd-1817.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZvRVrXIgB8 -
The Perkins School for the Blind, originally called the New England Asylum for the Blind, was the first school for the blind established in the United States, founded in 1829 in Boston, Massachusetts. It was incorporated on March 2, 1829, and aimed to provide education, literacy, and independence for people with visual impairments. -
First public school class for students with disabilities opens in Providence, Rhode Island.
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protected by federal laws like the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA. These laws ensure students receive a free, appropriate public education, reasonable accommodations, and non-discriminatory treatment. Advocacy organizations and state Protection and Advocacy Systems (PAs) provide support, legal aid, and policy work to help students and their families navigate the special education system and uphold these rights.
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Supreme Court rules that "separate but equal" is unconstitutional—this case lays the groundwork for later arguments about inclusion for students with disabilities.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/brownvboard.htm -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) passes, providing federal funds to help educate disadvantaged children, including those with disabilities. -
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Mills v. Board of Education—court cases establish the right of children with disabilities to free public education.
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prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxx6rQqIjpY -
later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), mandates free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). -
Mainstreaming (placing students with disabilities in general education classrooms for part of the day) becomes more common.
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Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes an “appropriate” education under IDEA. https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/458/176/ -
EAHCA is renamed Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), emphasizing transition services and the inclusion of students in general education settings. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passes, expanding civil rights protections for people with disabilities in all public spaces. -
IDEA is reauthorized, strengthening requirements for inclusion and access to general education curriculum. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act focuses on accountability and requires schools to report progress of students with disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eKFmG7DswE -
aligning with NCLB and further emphasizing access to general education.
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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces NCLB, maintaining focus on access and achievement for students with disabilities. -
with more schools adopting co-teaching, universal design for learning (UDL), and individualized supports to ensure students with disabilities learn alongside their peers.