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The first American school for deaf students opened in Hartford, Connecticut. It was started by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc in order to give deaf students the chance of a fair education. It was the first of its kind in America and proved that students with disabilities can succeed in education if they are given the right resources and opportunities. -
Perkins School for the Blind was opened in Watertown, Massachusetts. It was one of the first schools in America that focused on blind students. Just like the School for Deaf students it showed that students with disabilities are able to learn if teachers adjust their teaching methods. -
This case, Brown v. Board of Education, was decided by the Supreme court. The case was about equality and rules against separate school. Even though back then it was more focused and segregation based on race it now also has an influence on students with disabilities since it rules against segregation that is solely based on differences. -
When talking about the Rehabilitation Act it is important to focus on Section 504 for this Timeline. This section makes sure that schools provides the right resources and accommendations to students with disabilities in order to give them the opportunity to stay in a regular classroom and experience a "normal" school experience with their classmates. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act makes sure that students with disabilities the right to a free and fair education. It makes sure the students with disabilities have a close to regular school experience. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in order to make sure that people with disabilities are treated fairly. This is something that is not only part of education but also everyday life like work and public places. This helped making life easier and more normal because they were able to participate in more activities without feeling excluded. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was passed in order to ensures that students with disabilities get special education services and an Individualized Education Program. This is used to make sure students with disabilities have educational rights. -
The No Child Left Behind Act required students with disabilities to take state tests with accommodations and schools need to report their scores as well. This made it easier to keep track of their progress and included students with disabilities in a similar education and similar expectations as their classmates. -
In 2004 the IDEA was updated in order to further support inclusion of students with disabilities. In case of just simply saying that students with disabilities need to be included it actually gave school requierements like teaching them grade-level content, measure their progress fairly, and provide accomendations and support systems. -
Every Student Succeeds Act replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and requierd inclusion in schools like for example when it comes to testing or school activities. ESSA makes sure school are being held accountable for academic progress and that they demonstrate equal access for all students when it comes to high quality education.