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First Federal Disabilities Law
Signed by President John Adams, this law was the first of its kind. In 1798 the first federal law regarding the care of those with disabilities was passed. This law passed by the Fifth Congress allowed a Marine Hospital service to offer health services to seamen who were sick and disabled. -
First US public special education class
The 1st public special education class was opened in Rhode Island. This was the beginning of special education in the USA. Citizens began noticing a higher number of special needs children and therefore sought special classes to educate them. Nearly 30 years later, there were nearly 34,000 students in special education classes. As the years passed, the need for teachers and classes continued to grow. Sadly, many children with disabilities were excluded from these institutions until the 1970s. -
Control of special needs peoples
In the 1930s, a text, Social Control of the Mentally Deficient written by Stanley P. Davies, became popularized among many educators and the general public. This text advocated confinement and strict control of individuals with disabilities. The text emphasized the need to protect society by way of isolating and controlling those with special needs. -
Concept of normalization
The concept of normalization was conceived in Denmark during the 1950s. This practiced concept emphasized the need for those who resided in institutions to partake in everyday life. Benit Nirje found that those with special needs or disabilities should have the patterns and routines of society and the general public afforded to them as much as possible. This was an important concept as it began to convince the public that those with special needs belonged in a community, not behind closed doors. -
JFK's President's Panel on Mental Retardation
This 26-person appointed committee included members that were lawyers, physicians, educators, scientists, & psychologists. Six task forces were formed in order to handle the problems associated with mental retardation. They made 112 recommendations covering different areas. These experts attempted to combat mental retardation and also prompted the development of new legislation such as the Amendments to the Social Security Act.
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First Special Olympics
The 1st Special Olympics games began in Chicago. An international organization it was created in order to help those with intellectual disabilities to gain confidence, social skills, and an overall sense of success and accomplishment. These games, like the previously established Olympics, alternate every two years between the Summer and Winter Games. In addition to the grand scale event, there are also national, local, and regional events throughout 150 countries around the world -
PARC v. PA
Judges found that all individuals deemed mentally retarded could benefit from training & education. Before this ruling, millions of children were refused enrollment in public schools, inadequately served by schools, or sent to institutions. It was determined that schools should provide public education and training programs suitable to the student’s needs free of charge. In other words, the courts ruled that schools must include children with disabilities and provide the appropriate education. -
Mills v. Board of Education
Before this ruling students were denied educational access due to their "exceptional" status. "Exceptional" students included those who were mentally retarded or had other disabilities. The courts ruled that the district had to serve all students and that students with disabilities must be granted access to public education appropriate to their level and free of charge.
https://sites.google.com/site/jessalynsimmsfinal/influential-court-cases/mills-v-board-of-education-of-district-columbia -
Section 504- Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first disability rights law that was enacted in the United States. This law prohibits any form of discrimination against those with special needs or disabilities enrolled in programs that receive federal assistance. Because of this law, no public universities, federal agencies, or institutions receiving public funding may discriminate based on disability. This law helped to blaze a trail for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA)
This law, known as the "Bill of Rights" for special needs chilren, ensures that children who are handicapped and attend public schools will receive one free meal each school day in addition to receiving an appropriate education. Accordingly, federal funding must cover these programs. Since 1975 this law has been reauthorized along with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), and is now known as the "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) Act of 2001.
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Changes to the EAHCA
The original law was amended to included traumatic brain injury and autism as disability categories. Additionally, the law now mandated that students had a transitional plan by age 16, including vocational training, additional education, and living plans. These changes included new offerings, including rehabilitation counseling, social work, and other services. -
Amendment to IDEA
In 1997 the Education for all Handicapped Children’s Act became relabeled the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. President Clinton chose to reauthorize this law with various amendments. These modifications included curriculum access, transition planning, IEP structure, assistive technology, and state assessments. The IDEA has helped students with special needs since its conception.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66g6TbJbs2g -
Congress Amends IDEA
IDEA was amended to include early intervention, better educational outcomes, and greater overall accountability. Amendments also included monetary shifts if it was determined that students from minority groups were misplaced in special education classes and programs.
