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Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc founded the first permanent school for the deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. This milestone marked the beginning of formal education for students with disabilities in the U.S., paving the way for future special education programs. -
Samuel Gridley Howe founded the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. It introduced innovative teaching methods, including braille, providing access to literacy for students with visual impairments. -
The CEC was established to advocate for children with disabilities and promote effective educational practices. Today, it remains one of the leading professional organizations supporting special education teachers and research. -
This landmark Supreme Court case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. It also laid the foundation for equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities by establishing that “separate is not equal.” -
This case guaranteed access to public education for children with intellectual disabilities. It was a crucial step toward ensuring that all children had the right to learn, regardless of their disability. -
Section 504 prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs. It was the first federal civil rights law protecting people with disabilities in schools, workplaces, and public settings. -
Congress passed EAHCA, ensuring free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities. It required Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and emphasized the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
U.S. Department of Education’s history page for IDEA -
The ADA prohibited discrimination in public life, including schools, employment, and transportation. It expanded protections beyond education, promoting accessibility and inclusion nationwide. -
EAHCA was reauthorized and renamed IDEA. It emphasized inclusion, transition services, and family participation. IDEA remains the cornerstone law ensuring students with disabilities receive tailored education.
IDEA - History Evolution -
President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law, replacing No Child Left Behind. ESSA emphasized accountability for all students, including those with disabilities, and required schools to report progress. It strengthened inclusion by ensuring students with disabilities are part of state assessments and achievement goals.