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This timeline shows 10 important events in U.S. special education and inclusion, from the first schools for deaf and blind students to major laws like IDEA and ADA. It highlights how students with disabilities gained access to education in the least restrictive environments. Videos, website links, and images provide extra context for each event.
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The first school for the deaf in the U.S. opened in Hartford, Connecticut, by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. This was the start of organized education for children with disabilities in America. -
The Perkins School for the Blind opened in Massachusetts and was the first school for students with visual impairments. It helped make education more accessible, especially through braille. -
In September 1896, Providence, Rhode Island, created the first special education class in a U.S. public school. This was an important step toward giving students with disabilities formal support in education. -
On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” schools were unconstitutional. While it focused on racial segregation, it also set the foundation for students with disabilities to be included in public schools. Video Link: https://youtu.be/8jSu8_oeCQU?si=bEGBUq72KG59yfWn -
In 1971, this court case made sure children with intellectual disabilities were allowed free public education. It was one of the first cases that gave students with disabilities the right to go to school. -
In 1972, this case expanded the ruling from PARC and said all children with disabilities must be given free public education. It protected students with different kinds of disabilities, not just intellectual ones. -
In 1973, Section 504 became the first civil rights law for people with disabilities. It said programs that receive federal money cannot discriminate against students with disabilities. Website Link: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504 -
On November 29, 1975, this law required schools to give free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities. It also required that students be taught in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Video Link: https://youtu.be/G4Xzvafi-Pg?si=XyNZU7je45js4eVE -
On July 26, 1990, the ADA gave people with disabilities civil rights protections in jobs, public places, and schools. It helped make society more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Video Link: https://youtu.be/LL9BcZtwniU?si=I6Vv2QsIgceOId41 -
On December 3, 2004, this update to IDEA focused on accountability and using evidence-based teaching. It also pushed for students with disabilities to be included in general education classrooms as much as possible. Video Link: https://youtu.be/w1q4Ts7iYqU?si=Rd3Ueh6Wh-kMzrZZ