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First Special Education School Opened
The American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb was the first school that opened for special education. It was founded in Hartford, Connecticut. This school was for deaf Americans and the idea came from parents that wanted their deaf children to have an education. Lessons were given in sign, which evolved into ASL, American Sign Language. Asylum -
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
This organization was found by a group of educators. It is devoted to improving the success of children with disabilities. This organization supports appropriate government policies, establishes standards, and provides resources for successful professional practice. CEC has local units in all 50 states and even in Canada. CEC -
The Frosting Center
This organization was founded by Marianne Frostig. It specializes in improving the quality of life for children with exceptional needs through research, trainings, and education. Additionally, it has a school, called Frostig School, that accepts children with diverse needs, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other disorders. Frostig -
Handicapped Children’s Early Ed. Asst. Act
President Johnson signed a law exclusively for the education of all students with disabilities. This federal law required all federal funding public schools to provide equal opportunity to education and was the first federal effort to provide early intervention. It’s mission was to provide funding to support programs that will improve the education of preschool-aged students with exceptionalities. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens formulated a lawsuit resulting in the state ruling that they could not prohibit an individual’s right to be equally educated based on disability status. This lawsuit was done to represent fourteen families, with children with disabilities, who were denied access to public schools. It was one of the first cases to determine that people born with exceptionalities should have equal education.
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Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia
This court ruled that children with disabilities are to be granted education. This lawsuit came about seven children who were refused public education because on their exceptionalities and the cost of accommodation the school required to meet their needs. It was one of the first cases that ensured the right of students with disabilities to receive a free public education.
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Section 504 Rehabilitation Act
This federal law prohibits federal programs or any institute that receives federal financial assistance to discriminate individuals based on disability status. Section 504 impedes discrimination of people with disabilities in programs or activities that receive federal funding. It ensures that individuals with disabilities have the right to have access to program benefits and services. Section 504 -
Education of Handicapped Children
Later named Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It was placed to ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive free and appropriate public education regardless of disability status. This federal law requires that all public schools, who accept federal funds, provide free education and related services to students with disabilities. Video Video URL- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66g6TbJbs2g -
Assistive Technology Act
This federal law aims to provide Assistive Technology to people with exceptionalities. People with disabilities now have access to technology that will assist them in employment, recreational activities, and living independently. It requires states to provide Assistive Technology to meet the diverse needs of people with disabilities. AT -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This Act was signed by President Obama. Congress passed this law to replace No Child Left Behind, enacted in 2002. This federal law is dedicated to providing high quality education that will prepare all children for a successful life. This law provided textbooks, books, funding for special education services, and scholarships to close the academic gaps and improve equity. ESSA