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Early Roots (19th Century)
1817- Founding of the American School for the Deaf in Hartford — first U.S. school for the deaf
1848- Opening of the first school for the blind . -
Early 20th Century: Forced Sterilization
“The measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members.” — Mahatma Gandhi. -
Brown v. Board of Education
“Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” — U.S. Supreme Court decision.
slideshare.net -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Boosted federal funding for underprivileged schools, setting a precedent for inclusive education
wrightslaw.com -
Securing Civil Rights & Education Access
1973 -Rehabilitation Act (Section 504): Banned disability discrimination in federally funded programs, including schools
1975 -Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94‑142/EHA): Guaranteed free appropriate public education (FAPE), mandatory evaluations, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and parental rights
1977 -Section 504 Sit‑in Protests: Landmark 25-day sit-in in San Francisco to enforce the Section 504 regulations -
Evolution of IDEA
1990 – Enactment of IDEA: EHA renamed Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; added autism and TBI; required transition plans to adulthood
1997 2004-Amendments: Emphasized inclusive placement, technology, funding for early intervention, accountability, and teacher qualifications -
21st Century Development
2001 – No Child Left Behind: Included students with disabilities in testing and accountability measures.
2004 – Assistive Technology Act + IDEA Reauthorization: Emphasized assistive tech, alternate assessments, and behavioral considerations. -
Recent challenges
DOE strengthened early intervention under IDEA Part C for children under 3