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American School for the Deaf
The first permanent school in the US dedicated to educating children who were deaf or hard of hearing marked a significant milestone in the history of special education. It provided an organized environment where students could receive an education tailored to their needs. This institution also introduced sign language in instruction, which greatly impacted the educational landscape for students with hearing impairments, influencing educational practices and public attitudes toward disabilities. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the education and well-being of individuals with exceptionalities. It provides professional development, advocacy, and resources to educators, parents, and policymakers, promoting inclusive educational practices and ensuring students with disabilities receive the necessary support. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA/EHA)
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, later known as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), was passed in 1975, guaranteeing that all children with disabilities would have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. This law marked a major step forward in ensuring educational rights for students with disabilities and required schools to create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for each child. -
Board of Education v. Rowley
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Board of Education v. Rowley that schools must provide access to special education services. Still, they do not have to maximize the educational potential of children with disabilities. The case set the standard for "free and appropriate" education under IDEA, ensuring children with disabilities receive an education that meets their needs but does not necessarily require the best possible education. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA, signed into law in 1990, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including education, transportation, and employment. It marked a significant legal victory for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their rights to access educational opportunities and participate in society without discrimination. -
IDEA Amendments
The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act made significant changes to the integration of students with disabilities in educational settings. These amendments highlighted the importance of access to the general education curriculum, required collaboration between general education teachers and special educators, and ensured that students with disabilities participated in assessments. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
The No Child Left Behind Act, signed into law in 2001, required schools to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, meet state academic standards. It mandated annual testing in reading and math and required that schools report on the performance of students with disabilities, encouraging accountability and greater inclusion in academic achievement. -
IDEA Reauthorization
Emphasizing Access to General Curriculum and Accountability- The reauthorization of IDEA in 2004 further strengthened the law's focus on inclusive education by requiring that students with disabilities have access to the general curriculum and ensuring that their performance is included in state assessments. The law also emphasized the importance of early intervention and individualized instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities. -
Restraint and Seclusion Guidelines by the U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education issued guidelines in 2011 to address restraint and seclusion in schools, particularly for students with disabilities. The guidelines provided safeguards to ensure that these practices are only used when absolutely necessary and are properly documented. This reflected a growing recognition of the need to protect the rights of students with disabilities and promote positive behavioral interventions. -
ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)
The Every Student Succeeds Act, passed in 2017, replaced NCLB and continued to emphasize the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms. ESSA provided more flexibility to states and school districts using standardized tests and educational resources. Still, it also required that students with disabilities be included in academic assessments and their academic progress be monitored.