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First School for the Disabled was Established
The first special education school for disabled individuals in the United States was opened. The American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb (now named the American School for the Deaf) was founded in Hartford, Connecticut, by Thomas Gallaudet. The school was the first to create American Sign Language and developed several educational methods for people with disabilities.
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Rhode Island Mandates Compulsory Education for Children
Rhode Island became the first state to pass a law mandating compulsory education for all children. This law ensured that every child would receive an education provided by the government. Compulsory schooling in heavy anti-institution sentiments as children with disabilities were now moved into public schools. While Rhode Island was the first, not all states passed this law until 1918. -
Council for Exceptional Children is Founded
The Council for Exceptional Children was established by a group of educators attending Columbia University. Led by founder Elizabeth E. Farrell, the CEC developed professional standards in special education that improved the education and success of disabled individuals. After all citizens were granted the right to an education, the CEC provided and defended laws that protected individuals with disabilities. -
National Association for Retarded Children is Founded
In 1950, the National Association for Retarded Children (NARC) was founded by the parents of those with disabilities. This organization petitioned for a law that gave every child with a disability has the right to an education. During this time, special education became a noticable part of public schooling, and multiple parental advocacy groups across the nation were coming forward. These actions were big steps towards gaining educational equality for all. -
Brown v. Board of Education
In 1954, the United States Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in schools is unlawful. This meant that all children now had the equal right to education. Although this case was rooted in race, the segregation also applied to those with disabilities or handicaps. This was a victory in ending discrimination in education of all aspects. -
Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965
The Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, provided federal funding to primary and secondary schools, aiming to help develop the learning environments of disabled children. Primarily, federal grants would be directed to the most disadvantaged children, most of which lived in poverty. The support from funding ultimately expanded educational opportunities and encouraged more states to participate in creating education policies. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
In 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was signed into law by President Gerald Ford. The EHA provided children with a free, public education, and the least restrictive environment possible. This law ensures that the rights of those with disabilities are protected and accommodated for, while still working alongside their non-disabled peers. The EHA was later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). -
Board of Education v. Rowley
The Supreme Court case Board of Education v. Rowley involved a deaf student, Amy Rowley, who was not receiving an appropriate level of support in school, specifically a sign language instructor. Under the EHA, or IDEA, schools are may not be required to provide the best possible service, but are required to provide reasonable accommodations. The ruling gave the Supreme Court a new interpretation of the direct right of the student, and the obligation of the school. There needs to be balance. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits any form of discrimination against disabled individuals. This includes public areas such as school or workplaces. The ADA also requires schools and workplaces to make reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities, especially in public. In the school setting, this law provides students with disabilities to participate in the same educational activities as anyone else.
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Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) expands on the original ADA of 1990, refining the definition of disability. The ADAAA ensures greater protection for individuals with disabilities by not subjecting them to extensive analysis when this disability presents itself in the educational setting. This act also makes the process of establishing a disability easier and smoother for the individual.