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School for the Deaf
The first school for disabled children was the American School for the Deaf that opened in 1817. In a time where society often isolated those disabled, the American school for the deaf (ASD) provided dignity and education to those physically handicapped. Fast forward a couple of years schools for the disabled became the norm and with that was introduced schools such as: school for the deaf, school for the blind, and other institutions related to this. -
College Special Education
With special education institutions beginning as early as the 1800s there weren't many institutions that led up to College Education. In 1857, the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf, Dumb, and the Blind opened its doors in Washington, DC. and The Galluadet University was opened in 1864 with this being the only college of this kind. -
The ARC
Promotes and protects the human rights of people with developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. This allows there to be diversity and inclusion on all parts of the community no matter the age, race, or disability. -
Section 504
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law the prohibits any public or private institution to act on discrimination towards those with disabilities. This law applies to all public-school districts. Section 504 compliance falls under the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education (OCR). https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/how-does-special-education-system-work-united-states -
Education for All Handicapped Children
This is a law that says all students with disabilities have the right to a normal and appropriate education similar to other children. This means that schools should provide the support and accommodations to help them learn and be successful while in a regular classroom as much as possible. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a federal law that ensures the special education for children with disabilities in the United States. This type of education is offered to students as young as infants and preschoolers with disabilities. IDEA was previously known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, there has been many adjustments and improvements in this act with the most recent being December 2004. https://youtu.be/3XMndYNEGFA?si=8Kxv-Ib773EemmI5 -
Assistive Technology Act
It provides assistive technology to people with disabilities so they can fully participate in education, employment and daily activities on the same level with other people in their communities. Each U.S. state receives a grant to fund Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) that provide services to those with disabilities for their entire lives. -
NCLB
No Child Left Behind Act- was signed into law by President George W. Bush on Jan. 8, 2002. This act was a major part of the education system that held standardized testing in areas such as math, reading, and science for all children including those with disabilities. This act brought up many concerns and has also been updated and improved throughout the years starting with President George W. Bush to President Barack Obama. -
Parent Participation
As a member of IEP, the parent plays a very important role in deciding where and how their child will be taught. It is important that the parent have a big role in their child’s education and that they know their rights and process on how special education is met. Schools must be very flexible when it comes to the parent and the child such as a parent who may not speak English, there must be accommodations to ensure that they and their child understand the process. -
The Future of Special Education
The future of special education is targeted on equipping educators with specialized skills in learning disabilities. There are many different forms of learning disabilities and in the modern day there is a big focus on how to train educators to specialize in this knowledge. There are many programs, institutions, technological advantages and awareness in special education.