-
American School for Deaf
The American School for the Deaf, located in Hartford, Connecticut, was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States. Its establishment marked a significant shift from the previous approach where individuals with disabilities, particularly sensory impairments, often received little to no formal education. -
Period: to
Special Education in America
-
Perkins School for the Blind Founded
The Perkins School for the Blind, originally established in Boston, Massachusetts, was the nation's first school for students with visual impairments. This institution was groundbreaking in its approach to educating blind individuals, offering a comprehensive curriculum and developing innovative teaching methods, including the use of raised-print books and later, Braille. -
Florida Exempts Children with Disabilities from Compulsory Attendance
In 1915, the State of Florida passed a law that specifically exempted children with mental and physical handicaps from the newly enacted compulsory school attendance law. This legislation reflected the prevailing societal attitudes of the time, where many children with disabilities were excluded from public education. 1915 -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Founded
This organization quickly became a leading advocate for children with disabilities, promoting research, developing professional standards for educators, and lobbying for legislation that would ensure these students received appropriate services. -
Brown vs Board of Education
not directly about special education, the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This ruling had profound implications for special education, as it established the legal precedent that "separate is not equal." -
Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
was a critical victory for students with disabilities. It ruled that students with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disability, have a constitutional right to a free and appropriate public education. The court stated that the lack of funds could not be an excuse for failing to provide educational services.
1972 -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) / P.L. 94-142
This act guaranteed a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities aged 3-21, ensuring they would receive special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. It introduced key principles such as the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), due process safeguards, and parental involvement.
[1974](Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) / P.L. 94-142) -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Reauthorization
This reauthorization strengthened the original law by emphasizing "person-first" language, replacing "handicapped" with "disabilities' -
Florida Requires Self-Determination Instruction
Florida became the first state in the nation to pass legislation requiring self-determination instruction for students with disabilities. This empower students to take an active role in their own educational planning and future. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education and provided states with more flexibility in designing accountability systems, while still focusing on closing achievement gaps for all subgroups of students, including those receiving special education services.