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How it began
1st federal law related to the care of persons with disabilities who were sick or disabled seamen. This would start the ball rolling on a very important issue which will have a huge stage in the future. It's just going to take some time. -
All students must go to school
States passed a law which required students to attend elementary school. People began to understand that the education of students is the key to the future and will hold many treasures. -
Public - Special Education
Rhode Island opened the 1st public special education class. By 1923 34,000 students were enrolled as a result of the growing number of identified persons with disabilities. -
Canner introduces Autism
The identification of specific disabilities are increasing. As a result many professionals/researchers are identifying specific disabilities such as Autism. This will also start the process of determining what the cause of this disability is. Which is still being researched today. -
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Normalization
1950’s – Normalization begins for students with disabilities. It is clear that the number of students with disabilities is increasing and as a result more educational institutions will be needed. -
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Impact of Civil Rights on Special Education
Martin Luther King Jr.’s mission influenced the individuals with disabilities population and their advocates, to fight for their own rights too. -
President Kennedy
President Kennedy expanded the reach for people with disabilities. This included constructing new and larger institutions to accommodate their specific needs. -
Special Olympics
Special Olympics are held every 2 years in Chicago, including summer and winter games.
(https://www.specialolympics.org/) -
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Exclusion
schools could exclude certain children including those with disabilities. -
Section 504
Section 504 Rehabilitation Act (PL 93-112) made it illegal for federal agencies, private universities, defense or other contractors to discriminate against anyone based on disability. -
Hollywood Film!
Hollywood gives the world a glimpse into the life of an individual with a disability with “One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest”. (https://youtu.be/OXrcDonY-B8) -
IDEA
IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Act passes. This is the law which allows students with disabilities many rights, accommodations, modifications, services, and more when education is concerned. Students from ages 3-21 are protected under this law. These students are entitled to acquiring a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Without this law many students would not be successful with essential life skill sets.
(https://youtu.be/66g6TbJbs2g) -
ADA
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) identifies that individuals with a disability have a right to be a part of the norm and their employers and other services must provide them with the most appropriate accommodations. This also includes the incorporation of public accommodations. (https://youtu.be/dFKicqqVME8) -
IDEA 1997
This law specifies that discipline is ok if behavior is not due to a manifestation of the child’s disability. Also, included are transition planning (beginning at age 14) and programs to meet their specific and special needs. In addition, access to assistive technology, mobility services, a variety of assessment tools, and inclusion in the statewide assessment process. -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind was signed. This law specified that all children regardless of socioeconomic status or culture have the right to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. -
IDEA 1997
This law aligns IDEA 1997 and the No Child Left Behind Act. It also elaborates on the procedures of Zero Reject, Protection in Evaluation, Free and Appropriate Education, Least Restrictive Environment, Procedural Safeguards, and Parent Participation. Federal funds are dispersed to the states and the funds are utilized to provide these services to students with disabilities through their educational institutions. -
Today we continue the change which began more than 200 years ago. We do it justice by giving our students and our profession all we have and then 100% more! It is an honor to be a part of this movement and I hope I have inspired you to do the same.
