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First Special Ed School in U.S.
The American School for the Deaf was originally titled The American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb (“dumb” referred to those who could not speak or be understood). It was a residential school where students received instruction first in French Sign Language and later in American Sign Language. Students were taught a range of subjects, including math, reading, writing, geography, history, and the Bible, all through signed instruction. -
First public special ed class in U.S.
Public school teachers were becoming increasingly aware that many students labeled as "feebleminded" had learning disabilities and would benefit from special education classes. In 1896, Rhode Island opened the first special education class in the United States, and by 1923, nearly 34,000 students were enrolled in such classes. Many educators turned to institutions for training on how to educate students with disabilities. -
Council for Exceptional Children
In 1922, a group of administrators, supervisors, and faculty organized the International Council for the Education of Exceptional Children (CEC). The fundamental aim of the CEC was to develop a set of professional standards in the field of special education. Today, the CEC continues to use a collaborative approach to ensure its standards are relevant, evidence-based, and reflective of the competencies required in special education. -
Brown v. Board of Education
In 1954, the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education called for the desegregation of public schools. Children were no longer to be separated based on race; however, this ruling did not extend to children with disabilities. Nevertheless, Brown v. Board of Education helped pave the way for the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. -
The Civil Rights Act Passed
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination in public places and federally funded programs on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also banned unfair treatment in employment, including in hiring and promotion. However, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not specifically include protections for individuals with disabilities. -
First Special Olympics in Chicago
In the 1960s, Eunice Kennedy Shriver began a movement, along with special education teachers, to show that people with intellectual disabilities were capable of competing in athletic events. This movement paved the way for the Special Olympics, where people with disabilities can receive year-round training and compete in athletic events. It also promoted confidence, community, and inclusion.
History of the Special Olympics -
Rehabilitation Act Passed
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors. Although the Rehabilitation Act was passed in 1973, it did not go into effect until after the longest sit-in in American history. In 1977, people with disabilities occupied federal buildings in many cities and refused to leave for more than 25 days. -
Education of the Handicapped Act
Public Law 94-142, also known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (EHC), was enacted to ensure that children with disabilities had access to education and due process of law. The EHC included procedural safeguards to hold school districts accountable. Over time, the law has evolved and is now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IDEA, formerly EHC -
Hendrick Hudson School District v. Rowley
Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley was a landmark case in which the Supreme Court interpreted the meaning of FAPE under the EHA for the first time. Amy Rowley was a deaf student who was denied an interpreter by the school district, which determined that Rowley could lip-read and, therefore, did not need one. The Supreme Court sided with the school district, stating FAPE did not guarantee services to help children reach their full potential. -
Americans with Disabilities Act Passed
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, was designed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life. It established clear and enforceable standards for equal access and opportunities, while giving the federal government the authority to enforce these protections. The ADA continues to play a vital role in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and rights for people with disabilities.
ADA