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1st School for the Deaf and Mute
Located in Hartford, Connecticut this institution is now known as the American School for the Deaf. The opening of this school marked a foundational step in special education. Initially, there were only seven students and one instructor, Laurent Clerc, who came from Paris. Clerc taught the class using the French sign system in subjects such as math, writing, history, and the Bible. Over time, this approach evolved and led to the development of what is known today as American Sign Language. -
Perkins School for the Blind
Founded in 1829, the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, Massachusetts, was the first institution in the United States dedicated to educating individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This school has played a significant role in the advancement of Braille technology, including the creation of the Perkins Brailler, a mechanical Braille typewriter still widely used today. Fun fact: Helen Keller’s teacher, Anne Sullivan, was an alumna of this school. -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an organization dedicated to supporting children with exceptionalities. The CEC
advocates for high-quality education, improved policies, and provides resources for educators and families. They also serve as a community to share strategies to improve learning experiences. -
PARC v. Pennsylvania
The court case Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania established the right to a free public education for children with intellectual disabilities. The court ruled the state could not deny education to children with disabilities and must provide them access to public schooling. The outcome required schools to offer educational programs tailored to the individual needs of students with disabilities. -
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal law that forbids discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Under this act, organizations and employers receiving federal funding cannot exclude or deny individuals with disabilities access to educational programs and services. This law plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities in employment, education, transportation, and more. -
Edu. for All Handicapped Children Act
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA), is the foundation to what we know today as the, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act made sure that all children with disabilities have access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and mandated public schools to provide special education services in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Students with and without disabilities should learn together in the same classroom without separation. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Formerly known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, the IDEA is a critical part of the United States public education system. This federal law establishes that all children with disabilities receive an education designed to meet their unique needs. It also protects the rights of children with disabilities and their families, guarantees access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), and so much more. -
Cedar Rapids Sch. Dist. v. Garret F.
In this case, Garret Frey, a child paralyzed from the neck down, required a ventilator to breathe and a full-time health care provider to attend school. Though capable of speaking, operating his wheelchair, and excelling academically, his school district refused to cover the costs. Under IDEA, the Supreme Court ruled that students with disabilities must receive essential health services in school to attend their classes. -
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is a non-profit autism awareness organization dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals with autism and their families. This organization has focused on raising awareness, funding innovative research, and providing resources to help communities, families, and educators better understand and support those on the autism spectrum. Their work aims to build a more inclusive world for individuals with autism. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed into law by President Obama in 2015, guarantees all children have access to a high-quality education in public schools. It focuses on addressing the needs of students of color, those living in poverty, students receiving special education, and English language learners. Through this law, ESSA strives to provide all students with the skills and tools they need to succeed.