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Elizabeth E Farrell created the program to support educators working with students with disabilities. CEC helped promote professional standards, research, and advocacy in special education. CEC became the leading international body for special education, focusing on policy, professional development, and ensuring equitable, inclusive education for all students. -
This ruling declared the end of legal segregation in the education system, asserting that segregated schools could never be equal, and mandating the desegregation of schools across America. Brown v. Board of Education established that “separate is not equal.” the Supreme Court issued its unanimous decision in the case, stating that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education -
Landmark initiative started by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to create a national plan to combat intellectual disabilities, focusing on prevention, research, training, and integration into society. The panel aimed to address the unmet needs of people with intellectual disabilities, a cause deeply personal to Kennedy due to his sister, Rosemary. In 2003, President George W. Bush renames the committee the "President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. -
Landmark U.S. law requiring public schools to provide a free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities, mandating individualized education programs and educating them with non-disabled peers as much as possible. This act transformed disability rights by ensuring access, services, and parental involvement, becoming the foundation for modern special education. Renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1990.
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Part C of the (IDEA) which mandates early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Offering services such as therapies (physical, speech, occupational), audiology, nutrition, assistive tech, and family counseling. One example of this program is Florida's "Early Steps". Early intervention increased the likelihood of later inclusion in general education settings.