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First Special Education class
In 1899, Elizabeth Farrell taught the first special education class in New York City that consisted of 19 students, many of them with intellectual disabilities. The city continued to grow its number of special education classes and by 1906, Ms. Ferrel was appointed as the director of the Special Education program -
Council for Exceptional Children is formed
In 1922, the Council for Exceptional Children is formed. Elizabeth Farrell was the founder and first president of the organization. Presently, the CEC is the largest international organization to improving the educational success of children with disabilities. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
On May 17, 1954 the ruling from the court came declared that "separate but equal" public schools for blacks and whites was unconstitutional. The result of this case inspired educational reform in many aspects of special education. This case also paved the way for future integration of students with disibilities in schools.
Link: http://www.civilrights.org/education/brown/ -
Learning Disabilities Association of America
On April 6, 1963, parents and professions convened to express the need of services for children with specific learning disabilities that werre not yet available. By 1964, the Learning Disabilities Association of America was established and currently works with thousands of volunteers to regulate legislation to address the unique needs of students with disabilities. -
The Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965
On April 9, 1965 Congress enacted the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced the bill as his "War on Poverty" for educational reform. He believed all children deserved equal access to education which is vital to a child’s ability to lead a productive life. This was the first grant program that specifically targeted children with disabilities. -
Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Children vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
In 1971, the case of Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Children (PARC) vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was setteled and provided that all students with mental retardation need to be provided with a free and public education. This laid the foundation in establishing the rights to an education for all children with disabilities. Additionally, the state must provide individual education and least restrictive environment. -
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
In 1973, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act became a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. Specifically, the law stated that students with disabilities must be provided with equal access to schooling, and accommodations must be detailed in the student's 504 plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP). -
Educaiton for all Handicapped Children Act
In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the Educaiton for all Handicapped Children Act in to law. This law authorized a free and appropriate public educaiton (FAPE) for all children with disabilities. This law also requires that all states comply with six principles: 1. Zero reject and FAPE. 2. Nondiscriminatory identification and evaluation. 3. Individualized education program. 4. Least restrictive environment. 5. Due process. 6. Parental participation. -
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted by the US Congress. The law grants civil rights to all individuals with disabilities and that they cannot be discriminated against based on their disability. Additionally, any qualified employee or applicant with a disability must be provided with reasonable accommodations to perform their duties and responsibilities in the workplace.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns7UY8HdPr8 -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 is a law enacted in 1990 and reauthorized in 1997 and 2004. It protects the rights of students with disabilities by ensuring that they receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). It also called for more accountablity at the state and local levels to provide adequate instrucion and intervention. The services provided for students with disabilities in accordance with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
