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The American School for the Deaf was founded in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817 and was the first permanent school for students with disabilities in the United States. It offered special teaching approaches designed to meet the needs of deaf students. This school helped show that students with disabilities can learn and succeed when they receive the right educational support. -
Horace Mann led the Common School Movement, which helped create free public education for children in the United States. His work helped build the public school system where special education later developed. By supporting equal access, trained teachers, and shared curriculum, Common Schools made later special education laws and inclusion possible. -
This Supreme Court case ruled that separating students in public schools is unequal and unconstitutional. Although the case focused on racial segregation, its decision later influenced special education. The idea that “separate is not equal” helped support the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was the first major federal law to provide funding to support students with educational disadvantages. It included students with disabilities and helped bring federal attention to equal access to education. This law laid important groundwork for later special education legislation. -
This law required states to create plans to educate students with disabilities in order to receive federal funding. It marked one of the first times the federal government required accountability for educating students with disabilities. This act directly led to stronger protections in later laws. -
This court case established that children with intellectual disabilities have the right to a free public education. It also emphasized the importance of parent participation in educational decisions. This case helped ensure that students with disabilities could not be excluded from public schools. -
This case ruled that students with disabilities cannot be denied education due to disability or lack of school funding. It required schools to provide education and due process protections to all students. This decision strongly supported educating students with disabilities in regular public schools whenever possible. -
This landmark law guaranteed a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. It introduced key concepts such as the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The law supported educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers whenever appropriate.
Website link: https://www.wrightslaw.com/law/art/history.spec.ed.law.htm -
Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) reauthorization, expanded and strengthened the rights of students with disabilities by improving accountability, transition planning, and access to general education. It reinforced inclusion, parent participation, and evidence-based practices. This law continues to guide special education services today.
Video link: 6 Principles of IDEA: Your Rights in a Nutshell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEHClBi3Kvg -
ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind and continued to emphasize accountability for all students, including those with disabilities. It requires that students with disabilities be included in statewide assessments. The law supports equal educational expectations and gives states more flexibility.