-
Rhode Island opens first public special education
After noticing an increasing amount of students with learning disabilities, Rhode Island opened the first public special education class in the United States. This marked an emergence in special education. As numbers for special education students continued to rise, there became a need to educate the teachers on proper techniques for working with students with disabilities. -
President's Panel on Mental Retardation
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed a twenty-six-member panel of scientists, lawyers, educators and psychologists to search for solutions for problems faced by individuals with mental retardation. The panels' findings led to the passing and amending of several legislative acts, including the Social Security Act (Public Law 88-156). This called for an increase in maternal and child health as well as provided additional state funding for studies on those with mental retardation. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Following Kennedy's assassination, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.This act provided funding for primary education and expanded access to public education for students with disabilities. The aim was to shorten the achievement gap between students by providing each child with fair and equal opportunities at education. -
Special Olympics
http://espn.go.com/espnw/video/13084862/looking-back-first-special-olympics
The first Special Olympics is held in Chicago. The organizaton promotes the inclusion of individuals with disabilties. It helps build their self-confidence as well as social skills. The program has since spread to several countries and boasts over a million+ athletes. -
PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children sued the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanie for a state law that allowed public schools to deny education to children who had not attained a mental age of 5. This was the first right to education suit that challenged laws around the country. The overturning of the law established the right to an education for all children with disabilities. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination based on their disability. It ensured each child has equal access to education through accommodations and modifications. It promotes equal opportunities for those with disabilities. -
Education for all Handicapped Children Act
Education for all Handicapped Children Act granted the right to public education for all children regardless of disability. Schools receiving federal funding must provide all children with equal access to an education. Public schools also had to create an educational plan that would support the child and their unique needs. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
http://idea.ed.gov
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensured children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive a free and appropriate education with the necessary supports. There have been several amendments to the act throughout the years. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
American with Disabilities Act is a wide range of civil rights laws intended to protect against discrimination based on a disability. This includes areas of employment, or any public entity or transportation. -
NCLB
No Child Left Behind Act called for more accountability for student outcomes. The goal is to boost the performance for certain groups of students inlcuding those in special education and minorities.
