Disability inclusion

History of Special Education and Inclusive Education in the United States

By Samantha Alonso
  • First American School for the Deaf

    First American School for the Deaf

    The American School for the Deaf opened in Hartford, Connecticut, founded by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. It was the first permanent school for children with hearing impairments in the U.S. This marked the beginning of formal special education in the nation.
  • Gallaudet University Established

    Gallaudet University Established

    President Abraham Lincoln signed a charter creating the first college for Deaf students, now Gallaudet University. This provided higher education opportunities for Deaf individuals and remains a leader in Deaf education today.
  • First Public School Special Education Class

    First Public School Special Education Class

    In Cleveland, Ohio, the first U.S. public school class was created for students with disabilities. This began the movement toward specialized instruction but often meant segregation from general education peers.
  • Brown v. Board of Education (Inclusion)

    Brown v. Board of Education (Inclusion)

    The Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” in public education was unconstitutional. Although not specific to disabilities, this case laid the foundation for later rulings requiring inclusive education for all students.
  • PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The court ruled that children with intellectual disabilities could not be denied a free public education. This was one of the first major cases affirming rights for students with disabilities and paved the way for federal laws
  • Mills v. Board of Education

    Mills v. Board of Education

    A D.C. court required schools to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities. The ruling stated that lack of funding was not an excuse to deny education.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

    Section 504

    Section 504 became the first U.S. civil rights law protecting people with disabilities from discrimination. It required schools with federal funding to provide equal access. This laid the groundwork for IDEA and ADA.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)

    This law guaranteed children with disabilities the right to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). It became the foundation of today’s IDEA law. Watch YouTube Video
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    The ADA prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in schools, jobs, and public spaces. This law strengthened civil rights protections and continues to ensure accessibility nationwide. Website
  • IDEA Reauthorization (IDEIA)

    IDEA Reauthorization (IDEIA)

    IDEA was updated to emphasize accountability and inclusion in general education settings. Students with disabilities gained more opportunities to join regular classrooms with supports and participate in state testing.