The American School for the Deaf was the first educational facility/program that was established for people with disabilities in the western hemisphere. When it opened in 1817, the school taught French sign language, eventually evolving into American sign language (ASL). Not long after, it became the first school in America that provided education to people with disabilities that received public funds from the State. 

American School for the Deaf (1817)

The history of educational rights for children with disabilities dates back to the 1960s and 1975 when 45 states implemented funding and passed laws regarding special educational programs. 

Early Special Education Rights History

Len Barton drew conclusions between outdated (1900) sociological viewpoints on disabilities and the necessity to change policies surrounding educational opportunities for those with disabilities. He is an author of numerous books and journals, and helped lead the pathway for special education programs. 

Len Barton's Legacy

The establishment and expansion of schools or educational institutions that had the goal to serve people with disabilities in the United States of America.

Grinnell College

Michigan State University

The evolution of how the topics within education changed over time for people with disabilities in the United States of America.

History of Education for People with Disabilities in the United States of America

Special education in the United States. (2021, November 12). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sp

Wikipedia: Special Education in the United States

History of Schools/Educational Settings for People with Disabilities in the United States of America

Court cases in the United States that have established or changed a precedent for the educational system or educational rights for people with disabilities. 

Case Law in the United States Regarding Educational Rights for People With Disabilities

Individual states are responsible for passing their own education laws. Compulsory education laws were first passed by Massachusetts in 1852 after a similar law had been passed in 1642 mandating heads of households to teach their dependents. 

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