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American School for the Deaf Opens
The first school for the deaf was opened on April 15th, 1817 in Bennet's City Hotel in Hartford, Connecticut. The school was opened by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet after he met a young deaf girl by the name of Alice Cogswell. It marked the beginning of formal education for individuals with hearing impairments, providing specialized instruction tailored to their needs. -
Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Decision
The landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education overturns the "separate but equal" doctrine, declaring racial segregation in schools unconstitutional. While not explicitly about special education, this was the first time the government supported students facing unfair treatment in school. This act paved the the way for laws to help people with disabilities in the future. Timetoast -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
This act was part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's efforts to combat poverty, aimed to ensure equal access to education. It empowered the federal government to allocate funds to support disadvantaged children, without exerting direct control over state education systems. This approach expanded state education departments and gave them more influence in shaping education policy. -
Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia
District of Columbia Circuit Court affirmed that children with disabilities are entitled to a free and suitable education in public schools. This decision laid a crucial foundation for subsequent federal laws, notably the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. It ensured that financial constraints or lack of facilities could not deprive disabled children of their right to education. -
Education for all HC Children Act (EAHCA)
President Ford approved the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, or the EHA, on November 29, 1975. This law ensured that every child with a disability in every state and locality received a free, suitable public education (FAPE). The EHA aimed to remove barriers to education and provide necessary support and resources to enable children with disabilities to thrive academically and socially.
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA fought against discrimination toward people with disabilities in areas such as jobs, government services, and public places. To be protected by the ADA, you must have a disability that limits major life activities, a record of such a disability, or be seen as having one. Title I focuses on work, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified workers with disabilities. Titles II and III extend these protections to government and private businesses. -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is a federal law in the United States that aims to enhance the performance of public primary and secondary schools by holding them, along with school districts and states, more accountable. It was passed with bipartisan support by Congress in December 2001 and signed into law by President George W. Bush in January 2002. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
This act marked the introduction of mandatory special education legislation. It provides federal financial assistance to State and Local Education Agencies to ensure that eligible children with disabilities receive special education and related services. The primary goal is to offer these children a free appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs, aiming to prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The ESSA Act replaces the No Child Left Behind. Its primary objective is to ensure that public schools deliver high-quality education to all students. The law empowers states to play a central role in assessing student achievement, with a particular focus on historically disadvantaged student groups, which include those falling into one or more of four key categories. -
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Special Education Services
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupts special education services, forcing schools to adapt to remote learning and alternative instructional methods. This crisis highlights the need for innovative solutions to support students with disabilities and ensure their continued access to education.