History of Special Education and Inclusive Education

The American School for the Deaf

1817

The American School for the Deaf opened the door for special education. The school offered a way to build confidence and dignity in deaf students. The American School for the Deaf is still operating and located in West Hartford, CT. https://www.asd-1817.org/

Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind

1857

The school opened in 1857 and offered primary education and moral training to students in the Washington, DC area. They services students with blindness, inability to speak, and deafness. This was the only college of its time.

Cotting School

1893

Cotting School was founded in 1893 and serves as the nation's first school for children with special needs. They offer instruction on a variety of skills and content areas, vocational assessment, and training. Cotting School was located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Brown v. Board of Education

1954

This Supreme Court case declared segregation in schools as unconstitutional. This meant that schools were no longer able to separate public schools for black and white students. The case was brought forward by a young African American girl named Linda brown. Linda's father wanted his daughter to attend a nearby white school as opposed to traveling such great distance to a segregated black school.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Passes

1965

Signed into law by President Lydon B. Johnson, this Act provides federal funding to primary and secondary schools. This funding is authorized for professional development, instructional materials, resources to support educational programs, and parental involvement promotion. Providing funding government initiated the role of protecting and servicing underprivileged children.

Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (PARC) v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

1971

The case ruled that the state could not deny students access to education based on their intellectual or developmental status. Phrases used to describe people with disabilities have since been deemed unacceptable. However, this case was very influential in the change made in special education.

Vocational Rehabilitation Act

1973

This act provides definitions for a handicapped person and defines appropriate education. The act also prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in federally funded programs. the Vocational Rehabilitation Act was enacted in 1973.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act

1975

This law was also known as the mainstreaming law, first defining the least restrictive environment. This law was enacted by Congress in 1975. Schools were required to evaluate a student with special needs and develop an Individualized Education Plan.

Honig v. Doe

1983

This case was very beneficial for emotionally disabled students. These students were no longer allowed to be expelled for any behaviors related to their disability. They also could not be suspended for more than 10 days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPZiy0JGxM4

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

1990

This act was renamed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. "People-first " language is introduced to describe people with disabilities. Special education services were included and new state requirements were added.