Special Education has changed a tremendous amount over the course of history. I thought the virtual tour of the museum did a great job at showing different perceptions and societal changes in relation to special education over the years. Specifically in the educators exhibit. The tour showed figures like Samuel Kirk. This was an individual who is credited for establishing the concept of “Learning disabilities” which led to an act being created in 1969. Another example that was used was Gunnar Dybwad. He advocated for free public education for kids with disabilities. Both of these men set the tone and were an example of the shift that was taking place in society. Children with special needs were beginning to be included instead of excluded. This was shown through advocacy and legal action taken by individuals.

Another exhibit that stood out to me, was the society and eugenics exhibits. I thought the section did a good job at showing how the indifferences were pointed out by society between people with disabilities and regular people. The timeline helps understand how terribly people were treated back in the day. People with special needs used to be objectified and were used as circus acts. There was so called “freak shows” from the mid 1800s to the mid 1940s. In my opinion the eugenics exhibits were even worse. There were such things as forced sterilization. Also sets of discriminatory laws towards people with disabilities.

The final thing that I took note of was the advocacy wing. I thought this did a better job at connecting directly to the civil rights movement. Eunice Kennedy Shriver Created the special Olympics in 1968 to help promote inclusion throughout society. Other members of the Kennedy, family or huge advocates for equal rights for people with disabilities. The family supported things like Very Special Arts and Best buddy programs. Also, JFK was a huge advocate for establishing federal policy committees. He created these specifically for addressing disability rights.

All in all these exhibits showed truly how cruel society was towards people with disabilities. But overtime society adjusted and people began to advocate for rights. In the end, it created inclusion in the education field and society itself.

Padlet Activity

9/09/25

In history, special education has significantly changed since its beginning. There are always people with disabilities, and there has never been support and resources. In the educational section of the virtual museum, I discovered that one of the places that offered some resources was The School for the Feeble-minded. The school taught children with physical disability how to write using a standing table or something called a crosspiece. Initially, disabled students were segregated with students, which attended normal schools and with other students who were not disabled. However, now students are given far more resources and help that are aimed at getting them integrated into the classroom and being together with their fellow students.

And finally, as I was visiting the medicine wing, I examined the cures exhibit and discovered some quite curious ideals. There was a common perception at an early age that demons or evil spirits were the reason behind the behaviors or physical deformities that people with disabilities were dealing with. The “cure” to this thinking was to drill a hole in the head, also called trepanning. Several equally or more damaging “treatments” were tried to cure idiocy-most of which were physical measures-and the most extreme of these, electric shock, arrived during the nineteenth century. Another popular procedure was a lobotomy. However, real medication was eventually introduced and was developed to be more efficient. 

Lastly, I was browsing Breaking the Law? section in the society wing, and I found that over the years the disabled had been the subject of ridicule and mockery in the media. Recently as only 30 years ago, individuals could be institutionalized inappropriately due to their disabilities. And because of it, hundreds of years ago, when people did not know anything about disabilities properly. The other thing I considered interesting was the belief about criminals, or mentally disabled people. Henry Herbert Goddard, was of the opinion that individuals with any kind of mental disability were more likely to be criminals. I was really interested in reading about history, and I believe that this exhibit reflects this idea of does being disabled make one break the law? I found it quite interesting how this exhibit provided information on the topic. I am very grateful that we have forgotten all these horrific physical treatments and that we have adapted a more appropriate way of treating and handling mental illness and disabilities.

EDCT 254 Individuals with Exceptionalities

Dr. Harris

September 9, 2025

How Special Education Has Evolved

Three informational details that, I believe, do an excellent job of highlighting the evolution of special education through history are the YouTube video, The History of Special Education, the virtual timeline from Tiki-Toki, and the Speaking Out and Speaking Up virtual Advocacy Exhibit from the Museum of Disability. While the other resources available this week provided valuable and educational facts, I thought these three made a particularly outstanding delivery of these details regarding the “emphasis on the connection to social objections regarding the treatment of individuals with exceptionalities, as well as the civil rights movement”.

The first resource I chose is the video, The History of Special Education. I found it to be incredibly informative, delivering a wide range of information in a historical scope without “information dumping” and overloading with details. This video starts out explaining that all children with disabilities have rights, accommodations, benefits, and laws regarding those things and more. Directly after that though, the educator, Frank Avella, dives into how “that wasn’t always the case”, and that these changes would not have come about without the push of advocacy groups; groups typically formed by parents of students with special needs and their communities. The timeline Avella chose to highlight in this video takes place from the early 1800s to Today. From the early 1800s till the 1880s the evolution of special education can be seen- going from the lack of education (or the minimal availability of private schooling) to the establishment of isolated schools in rural areas. The evolution halts around the 80s, regressing with the emergence of Francis Galton’s idea of eugenics and the discussion of sterilization, and the establishment of institutions. Avella jumps briefly to the 1920s and the rise in the number of students with special needs attending public schools (though segregated into separate classes/rooms in most cases) and then jumps forward again to the 70s to the creation/passing of Public law 94-142. This law, enacted in 1975, was titled the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. It mandated the creation of IEPs, established procedural safeguards, and ensured parent participation in the decision-making process for children’s educations. Avella notes that law as the “foundation for special education” (Avella, 2019). Avella wraps up the 1900s with the acknowledgement of the impact of laws passed in the 90s, drawing particular attention to the IDEA of 1990 and students gaining the right to general education curriculums, and finally concludes with the inclusion movements of the 2000s/today. While I found the video to be lacking in the elaboration of the advocacy groups acknowledged towards the beginning, I found the timeline to be a very helpful and informative tool. I found that Avella highlighted key times/turning points in history that led special education to where it is today, and, in doing so, provided a clear and concise overview of that evolution along with points in time for reference for those that wanted to read further into the subject.

The second resource I noted above was the virtual timeline titled, The History of Special Education. I found this to be the perfect pair up with Avella’s video, breaking down the timeline into even further specifics and details from 1945-2015. I found this tool to be especially effective in illuminating the evolution of special education, because it highlighted events on that timeline, providing video sources, laws, essays and other relevant publications, and court cases that occurred over that spread of decades. While primarily outlining the various bills, acts, rights, and laws amended, established, and introduced over the evolution of special education, there were also “events (points on the timeline)” that elaborated on the social objection/perception over that time. These events included books such as Christmas in Purgatory: A Photographic Essay on Mental Retardation, a book created with the intent to expose and change the living conditions of the disability institutions, videos such as President Obama’s talk about the No Child Left Behind legislation and how he believed it needed to be changed, and videos reflecting on the changes on either side of that act from the view of educators, parents, students, and administrators in the video, Cultural Changes After No Child Left Behind. I believe that this timeline/informational detail more than most of the resources of this week highlighted the changes in special education with the outline of the introduction of laws/the various movements throughout this history, as well as what laws/movements preceded and followed.

The third resource I included was the Advocacy Exhibit, Speaking Out and Speaking Up, from the Museum of Disability History. I found this to be an ideal final resource, as the first two outlined the timelines and legislative changes over the evolution of special education. This source mentions the book Christmas in Purgatory as well, including a picture from the book as it acknowledges the institution conditions exposed in the publishing. It also mentions the creation of various organizations such as the National Association for Retarded Children, stating that the creation of that group was from the efforts/actions of parents. Other images from this virtual exhibit showed excellent examples of social advocacy, such as the “Join the Crusade” call to the public to push states for legislation.

In conclusion, I found many resources into the evolution of special education beyond the three listed in this paper. I found the multiple wings within the Museum of Disability History to be an incredible source of information and reference. I think the resources in the virtual exhibits do the most efficient job showing the social objection of treatment of individuals with exceptionalities, while I found that the second timeline was the optimal resource for the emphasis on the civil rights movement and legislation of this timeline. I believe most efficient way to conceptualize the evolution of special education is to look at the timeline through all three resources I examined and elaborated on in a combined scope.

References

Advocacy Exhibit - Museum of disABILITY History. (n.d.). Www.museumofdisability.org. https://www.museumofdisability.org/virtual-museum/advocacy-wing/advocacy-exhibit/

Teachings In Education. (2019). The History Special Education [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23Jes6PHzkk

The History of Special Education. (2025). Tiki-Toki.com. https://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/46133/The-History-of-Special-Education/%23vars

            Not only was it unheard of to see public figures that have disabilities, but it was unheard of that people with disabilities could be cured. The medicine sections stats that in 1855 there was an uncurable disease called idiocy but then it was cured by education. There have been many “quakcures” over the years, but for every quakcure there is also real medicines and therapies that have been proven to work to help people who have disabilities cope with their disability. A cure for down syndrome and many autism spectrum disorders has yet to be found, but through numerous therapies and medication prescribed by a doctor children and adults that are on the spectrum can live normal lives and progress thoroughly.

            Although it is amazing that students can progress still to this day it originally started in 1866 in New York. There was a school called the “Idiot School” and that was the first place where people with disabilities could go to gain some version of an education. Many went and were able to study writing, math, music, and other educational courses. Students would often have therapies available to them so that they could continue their progress over the years. Of course, the therapies that were preformed as treatments for students in the 1860s were very different from modern day disability treatments. At Randall’s house of refuge people who went there were also able to learn how to do vocational work for both men and women. Often they were taught different vocations so they could get a job, but it was also unheard of for students with disabilities to receive a “classic” or “by the book” education like average students did in the 1860s.

References

A Brief History of Disability Rights in the United States

The History of Special Education

What is Special Education? (Probably Not What You Think)

Over time, laws were passed to protect students with disabilities and their right to an education. These laws helped make schools more inclusive by giving students the support they need. This shows how special education has changed a lot over time.

Special education in the United States has changed a lot over time, especially in how individuals with disabilities are treated and included in schools. Earlier in history, many children and adults with disabilities were excluded from public education altogether and placed in institutions. These institutions often separated individuals from their families and communities and reflected social beliefs that disability was something to hide or remove from public life. Because of this mindset, individuals with exceptionalities were denied basic rights, including the right to an education.

As society began to change, disability rights became closely connected to the broader civil rights movement. During the 1950s and 1960s, families and advocates started pushing back against discrimination and demanding equal access to education for individuals with disabilities. This shift in thinking led to important legal changes, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 of this law made it illegal to exclude individuals with disabilities from programs receiving federal funding, including public schools. This was a major step toward recognizing disability as a civil rights issue rather than a personal or medical problem.

This shift continued with the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law required public schools to provide students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. It directly challenged the belief that students with disabilities could not learn alongside their peers. IDEA helped move special education toward inclusion by ensuring students receive individualized supports and legal protections.

A push for change came with the Disability Rights and Civil Rights Movement. The unfair treatment of students with disabilities was reconsidered and deemed to be discrimination, and a push for a change was sent into place. A law was formed, allowing education for all which guaranteed students with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

In present day, inclusivity is a major factor in a successful classroom. Students with special needs are given fair and equal opportunities to succeed alongside their classmates. Students are kept together to coexist within their classrooms as much as possible and society is continuing to work together to improve the togetherness among classmates worldwide.

Professor Hariss

Individuals with Exceptionalities

February 3 2026

Padlet Activity

Over the years, special education has come a long way, and it is evident from the Disability Rights document that there are three significant points that mark the evolution of special education. 

1.  Returning to the Eugenic Sterilization Law (1907) to the Federal Protection (1973) The Disability Rights document draws attention to a vital change in how society used to discriminate against people with disabilities. This discrimination pushed the enactment of the Eugenic Sterilization Law, which was passed in 24 states in 1907, allowing forcibly sterilizing people with disabilities. In contrast, in 1973, the Rehabilitation Act was passed. This legislation is a significant milestone in special education law as it explicitly prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in any program that receives federal funding. Also, it requires colleges and universities to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

2.  The 25, Day San Francisco Sit, in (1977), Link to Civil Rights Movement

The article explains that the Rehabilitation Act was not effective right after its passage, which led to the longest sit, in in U.S. history. In 1977, more than 150 disabled people took over the federal buildings in San Francisco for 25 days, thus directly copying the civil rights movement tactics. The documentary Crip Camp is a multimedia work that portrays the disability rights movement and how disabled activists used civil rights movement tactics to fight for their inclusion and equal treatment.

3.  From Exclusion to the ADA (1964, 1990). It is a significant evolution to see how the disabled community went from being expressly excluded from the 1964 Civil Rights Act to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. The article mentions that people with disabilities faced job discrimination and unequal treatment even after the Civil Rights Act was enacted. The ADA thus laid down the architectural plans to dismantle discrimination in areas such as employment, public services, and public accommodations, reflecting how relentless advocacy has converted social opposition into legitimate rights and educational access.

            Two years before the Seattle protests, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was put in order in 1975, laying a strong foundation for equal opportunity in education for all students. This was the year the first individualized education plan was developed, but prior to this act or the protests for section 504, “many students with disabilities were not allowed to attend school at all.” (par. 8, Education Alternatives).

            Today, through formal evaluations each and every student with a disability has access to equitable education, with accessibility, accommodations, and the least restrictive environment possible for optimal learning. Even so, battles are still being fought, and only 6 years ago, The National Association of the Deaf sued both M.I.T. and Harvard for not providing captions for online programs and won (par. 23, UMASS).

            While the battle is far from over, the opportunities for students with disabilities have grown exponentially in past 100 years. This is thanks to tireless efforts of countless Americans who have fought for equality in their country, inspired by the civil rights movement and fed up with the inequality that ailed the country. While mistreatment of individuals with disabilities still ripples across our nation, the waves are weaker, and the fight for equality roars. One day, I hope all schools will offer the same opportunities the Ed Robert’s campus.

Works Cited

A brief history of disability rights in the United States | UMASS Office of the President. (n.d.). https://www.umassp.edu/inclusive-by-design/who-before-how/history-disability-rights-united-states

Celleti, E. (2018, July 3). What Is Special Education? (Probably Not What You Think). Niche. Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://www.niche.com/blog/what-is-special-education/

Specialist, S. S. (2025, April 7). History of the Individualized Education Program IEP. Education Alternatives. https://easchools.org/history-of-the-individualized-education-program-iep/

2/3/2026

Special Education has changed drastically throughout the years starting the the early 1800’s until today.

The first informational detail that highlighted Special Education has evolved is the Mental Retardation Facilities construction Act f 1963. This was signed by President Kenny to create facilities to help with research and related purposes, funding for teacher trainings, diagnosis centers and treatment centers.

The second informational detail that highlighted Special Education has evolved is the Americans with Disabilities Act. This was signed so that people with disabilities were treated the same with employment. This was also put in law of education as well. Children with disabilities with entitled to the same education as a child without disabilities.

The third informational detail that highlighted Special Education has evolved is The Education of Deaf Act of 1986. This was put in place to help the deaf prepare for education and unemployment. This was Title III of the American with Disabilities Act. This was so people who are deaf were also treated the same way too.

One of the most powerful examples is the photograph of The School at Randall’s Island, which opened in 1866 and was commonly referred to at the time as the “idiot school.” This name reflects how people with disabilities were viewed as less capable and less worthy of dignity. Today, society recognizes that this language was harmful and rooted in prejudice. The shift away from labels and slurs is not simply a matter of politeness. It represents a deeper understanding that people with disabilities deserve respect, autonomy, and full participation in community life. This change was driven by advocates who challenged the idea that disability made someone inferior.

Another important detail from the museum is the history of access to public education. Before the early twentieth century, many children with disabilities were denied entry into public schools or were required to pay for separate programs that were not equal in quality. Advocates such as Gunnar Dybwad helped push forward legal action that argued for equal access to education. These efforts mirrored the civil rights movement, which emphasized that segregation based on identity is unjust. The eventual creation of Individualized Education Programs ensured that students with disabilities would receive a free and appropriate public education. This shift transformed education from a privilege into a protected civil right.

The museum also highlights how classroom practices have changed. Early educational activities often focused on copying letters on chalkboards or participating in therapies that attempted to “correct” disability through repetitive physical exercises. These practices reflected a belief that disability was something that needed to be fixed. Modern educational approaches focus on inclusion, accessibility, and support for diverse learning needs. Movement breaks, sensory tools, and individualized instruction are now common. These practices reflect a broader understanding that students do not need to be changed to fit the system. Instead, the system must adapt to meet the needs of every student.