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1st Federal Law on Disability Support
In 1798, the U.S. passed its first federal law related to disability: providing care for sick and disabled seamen. Although this was not specific to education, it marked the government’s initial step toward acknowledging and supporting individuals with disabilities. -
1st Public Special Education Class
Rhode Island opened the first U.S. public school classroom for children with disabilities. This signified a shift from institutional care to inclusive public instruction, even though services remained limited and segregated. -
Normalization Movement in Denmark
The idea of "normalization" (integrating people with disabilities into mainstream society) began in Denmark. This philosophy inspired future educational practices in the U.S., such as mainstreaming and inclusion, under the principle of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). -
1st Special Olympics
The Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The first Special Olympics were held in Chicago, promoting inclusion and awareness for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports and community. https://youtu.be/OiiUPbEhp80 The video is about July 20, 1968, where Eunice Kennedy Shriver gave the inaugural charge to the athletes at the first International Special Olympics Summer Games at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA. -
Sect. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
This civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding. It laid the groundwork for accessibility and accommodations in education and beyond. https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504 This website will help you learn more about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. -
Ed. for All Handicapped Children Act
This landmark law guaranteed a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities and mandated Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It later became IDEA. https://youtu.be/3XMndYNEGFA This is a video on the history and a summary of IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act -
Self-Advocacy & Inclusion Movement
Led by figures like Judy Heumann during the 80's and 90's, people with disabilities pushed for more inclusion, resulting in better access to mainstream education. These efforts built on civil rights laws and led to greater classroom diversity. -
No Child Left Behind
NCLB increased accountability for all students, including those with disabilities, by tying school performance to student testing. It emphasized inclusion, progress monitoring, and data-driven instruction. -
IDEA Reauthorization
IDEA was reauthorized to align with NCLB. It emphasized early intervention, better IEP alignment with academic goals, transition planning for older students, and parental participation in the process. -
Ongoing – Child Find
Today, under IDEA, states must identify and evaluate all children suspected of having a disability through "Child Find." This process ensures early support and appropriate education through timely evaluations and services. https://www.fdlrsnefec.org/child-find/referring-a-child This website has information about Child Find in Florida.