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First American School for Deaf
The first special education school in the United States was founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, Mason Cogswell, and Laurent Clerc in Hartford, Connecticut. The establishment of this school led to the mainstream education of deaf people. The school is still running today and offers comprehensive education programs to students that are deaf and hard- of-hearing from birth to adulthood. -
Council for Exceptional Children
CEC was established to address the needs of students with disabilities and gave educators a platform. Through the years, CEC has had a crucial role in defining and promoting special education as a recognized profession. It focuses on establishing professional standards that help guide educators. -
Learning Disabilities Association of America
This association was founded after a conference regarding the problems that handicapped children faced. After the conference, efforts were made to create an organization that is focused on providing support and advocacy to individuals with learning disabilities. Since its inception, the LDA continues to provide support, information, and resources to individuals with learning disabilities, families, educators, and specialists. -
Mills v. Board of Education
It was a landmark case that arose from a class action lawsuit representing seven children with disabilities who were denied access to public education due to their conditions. The ruling if the case was that educational access could not be denied based on the costs associated with providing accommodations for disabled students. This ruling has been fundamental in affirming that students with disabilities have the right to a public education. -
Education of all Handicapped Children Act
The EAHCA was designed with four objectives to enhance the educational opportunities for children with disabilities by free appropriate public education, protection of rights, support for state and local education agencies, and assessment of educational effectiveness. Its commitment to inclusivity and the provision of necessary services has led to significant improvements in educational access and outcomes for millions of students. -
Section 504 Rehabilitation Act
Prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. It is crucial component in ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to education in public schools. It established a precedent for the inclusion of disabled students in educational environments. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) represented a significant shift in educational policy, mandating that children with disabilities receive educational benefits equivalent to those available to their non-disabled peers. This act ensured not only access to education but also the provision of individualized educational programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. -
Universal Design for Learning Framework
UDL is a comprehensive educational framework designed to optimize teaching and learning for all individuals by emphasizing flexibility and inclusivity. It aims to accommodate the diverse needs of all students in a classroom, acknowledging that traditional instructional methods often fail to meet these varied needs. By using UDL, educators can enhance educational experiences for all students. Learn More:
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-universal-design-for-learning -
Assistive Technology Act
The provisions of the Act have improved educational outcomes for students with disabilities by ensuring they have the tools necessary to succeed in learning environments. It also promotes awareness of (AT) devices and services that can assist individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. Its legacy continues to help the educational equity in the U.S. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
ESSA replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 and aimed to address the shortcomings identified in that legislation. ESSA seeks to ensure that every student has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. States are required to identify and address achievement gaps among these student populations and implement targeted interventions aimed at promoting equitable outcomes. Learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i69cO5Ku_7Y