Special Education in America

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    Special Education

  • First School of Special Education

    First School of Special Education
    First school of special education was the American Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Dead and Dumb in Hartford, Ct. A total of seven students were enrolled in the first year. The definition of dumb as the time referred to being unable to speak. The school provided instruction in math, reading, writing, geography, history, and the bible.
  • The Arc

    The Arc
    The Arc was established by a group of parents expressing concerns in regards to education of children with specials needs. The Arc has been able to support parents and children with advocacy through federal legislations. It currently includes different chapters in different states ranging from small voluntary groups to professional organizations.
  • Pl 89-10

    Pl 89-10
    This is a title one program aimed to develop programs and curriculum materials to better serve economically disadvantage students and students with disabilities. The total allotment included $1.33 billion to go towards elementary and secondary education.
  • Handicapped Children's Early Education Assistance Act

    Handicapped Children's Early Education Assistance Act
    Handicapped children’s early education assistance act: The first legislation focusing exclusively on education of all children with disabilities. The funding went towards preschool and early education programs. It includes identification of eligibility, interventions, and providing supports for the children and their families.
  • Section 504

    Section 504
    Rehabilitation Act Section 504 – This is the first federal civil rights law specifically aimed to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities. This act covers both school age children and adults. Prohibits exclusion of students from programs due to lack of services and protects students who are ineligible for services through IDEA but have physical or mental impairments that limit one or more life activities.
  • Education for all Handicapped Children Act

    Education for all Handicapped Children Act
    PL94-142: Education for all handicapped children act: guaranteed free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with a disability. The goals were to assure all children receive FAPE, the rights of the children and parents were protected, state and local facilities provide education to children with disabilities, and to assess and assure the effectiveness of the education to children with disabilities.
  • Education for all Handicapped Children Act - Early Childhood

    Education for all Handicapped Children Act - Early Childhood
    Education for all Handicapped Children Act (EHA) covered toddlers below age 3: This was an amendment the EHA to include infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities. It includes an extension to children ages 3-5 and provides comprehensive early intervention for children and families from birth to 2 years.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act

    Americans with Disabilities Act
    Americans with Disabilities Act – Extended civil rights protection of persons with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunication. Public school buildings must have accessible areas and day care centers.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Included Individualized Educational Plans, enhanced educational accountability, provided standards when disciplining children with disabilities, offered mediation services to parents, and reformulated the distribution of the federal appropriations.

    Breakdown of IDEA components
  • Assistive Technology Act

    Assistive Technology Act
    Assistive Technology Act of 2004: Promoted awareness and access to assistive technologies (AT). It aimed to provide AT to children with disabilities to enhace independent participation in education, employment, and daily activities. Included low tech, medium tech, and high tech. Assistive Technology: What is it
  • No Child Left Behind

    No Child Left Behind
    No child left behind: A major point of educational reform. It held standards of proficiency in math, reading, and science for all children, including children with special needs. Teachers also need to be highly qualified within their subject area.