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Est. of the Perkins Institute
The foundation of this school was the marking of a significant milestone in special education. Founded in Boston, Massachusetts, it became the first school in the United States that provided education for individuals with visual impairments, which set a precedent for future specialized education institutes. Today, they are still committed to creating equal opportunities for people with visual impairments, helping them reach their full potential. -
Est. of the AAMD
The American Association on Mental Deficiency, now the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), lead to collaborative efforts in advancing special education. It promotes the understanding and support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the largest and oldest interdisciplinary membership organization of professionals, and others concerned with intellectual and developmental disabilities. -
Establishment of the CEC
The Council for Exceptional Children aimed to advance the education and welfare of students with exceptionalities. It played a key role in advocating for the rights and needs of students with disabilities, promoting research, and providing professional development opportunities. The CEC has local units in all 50 states and Canada, and there are also CEC Student Chapters in hundreds of colleges and universities, such as Penn State University. -
Establishment of the ASA
This Autism Society of America has been significant in advocating for the rights and needs of those with Autism. They do this by supporting research initiatives, and promoting public awareness. They also support federal policies and initiatives that facilitate greater access to the workforce and increase the employment rate for people with Autism. -
Mills V. Board of Education of DC
This class action lawsuit was brought to court on behalf of seven children who were denied public education in DC due to their disabilities, and the cost of accommodations the school would acquire to educate them. In this ruling, it was concluded that students with disabilities have the right to a free, appropriate public education regardless of the severity of their disability. This solidified the rights of students with disabilities in obtaining quality education. -
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Under this act, it is prohibited to discriminate based on disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, programs receiving federal funding, federal employment, and employment practices in federal contractors. Section 504 of this act ensures equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including access to education and reasonable accommodations. The standards for determining employment discrimination under this act are the same as those used in title I of the ADA. -
Est. of the ABAI
The Association for Behavior Analysis International is a nonprofit professional membership organization. It focuses on the application of behavioral principles in order to address the needs of individuals with disabilities. They have played an integral role in the development of evidence-based interventions and promotion of best practices in special education. -
Passage of the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits the discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life. These aspects include employment, accommodations, and access to local government programs and services. Title I of this act protects the rights of both employees and job seekers. -
Olmstead V. L.C.
Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson were voluntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit in Georgia Regional Hospital, but were confined to the institution even after their treatment had concluded. They filed a suit under the ADA for release from the hospital. The final ruling was that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities is discrimination in violation of title II of the ADA. As a result, public entities must provide community-based services must be provided to people with disabilities. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The NCLB, an update for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, aimed to improve educational outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities. This act scaled up the federal role in holding schools accountable for the academic progress of their students. It put a special focus on certain groups of students, such as ELLs, students in special education, and poor and minority children.