-
Thomas Gallaudet established the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. It was the first permanent school for children with hearing problems in the United States. This school cleared the path for later establishments and provided structured education to kids with disabilities. -
The first school in the United States for blind pupils was the Perkins School for the Blind, which opened its doors in Boston. It demonstrated that individuals with visual impairments might succeed academically by providing education in reading and everyday living skills. The school grew to prominence as a national model for inclusive education. -
Gallaudet University, the world's first university for Deaf students, was established in 1864 when President Abraham Lincoln signed a charter. This was revolutionary because it acknowledged that Deaf people may pursue higher education. The university developed into a center for academic success, Deaf activism, and Deaf culture. Its establishment represented federal backing for inclusive education. -
In 1896, Providence, Rhode Island, hosted the first special education class in a public school in the United States. Children with impairments could receive customized training in a separate setting thanks to this class. It was a step toward acknowledging that these pupils needed an education, even though it mirrored early discrimination. These initiatives developed into a movement for more inclusive environments over time. -
Despite being about racial segregation, Brown v. Board of Education laid the groundwork for later disability rights decisions. "Separate is not equal," according to the Supreme Court's ruling, subsequently extended to students with disabilities. Advocacy for general education classroom access was strengthened by this ruling. Beyond racial issues, Brown had a significant impact on the development of the inclusionary education concept in the United States. -
After the state was sued by the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) in 1971, it was decided that children with intellectual disabilities were entitled to a free public education. Many students with impairments were not allowed to attend school prior to this lawsuit. The court mandated that learning opportunities be customized to each student's requirements. Later federal law protecting kids with disabilities was based on this ruling. -
Public Law 94-142, passed by Congress, ensures that children with disabilities receive free suitable public education (FAPE). The law mandated that pupils be placed in the least restrictive environment (LRE), which means that they should study among their peers whenever feasible. The IDEA of today was based on this legislation. It guaranteed children's rights, schools' obligations, and families' safeguards.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/G4Xzvafi-Pg?si=Z3E6bFhaiu27s7PG -
By establishing early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with impairments and mandating special education programs for preschoolers, the 1986 amendments increased the scope of services. This acknowledged the value of assisting families and children from the moment of birth. The adjustments were intended to improve long-term results by addressing needs earlier. It was also among the first instances in which the law placed a strong emphasis on family-centered services. -
EAHCA was renamed IDEA in 1990, allowing for qualifying for both brain injury and autism. In addition to emphasizing IEPs and inclusion in regular schools, the law mandated transition planning. By preparing kids for independent living, employment, and college, IDEA revolutionized special education. https://biausa.org/public-affairs/public-policy/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act -
IDEA was reauthorized in 2004 with a focus on student accomplishment and accountability, in line with No Child Left Behind. In addition to monitoring progress and requiring highly educated teachers, its goal was to lessen the overidentification of minority pupils in special education.