The Early History of Special Education

By Jesus Rey

In the early 19th century, institutions dedicated to educating children who were deaf, blind, or intellectually disabled began to emerge across the United States and Europe. Before this period, children with disabilities were typically excluded from formal education altogether. While these early institutions remained segregated and primarily focused on basic life skills, they marked a pivotal shift in societal attitudes. Pioneers like Samuel Gridley Howe, who founded the Perkins School for the Blind in 1829, demonstrated that children with disabilities could learn, laying the foundation for future advancements in special education.

By the mid-20th century, the Civil Rights Movement further propelled progress in the field. The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, which dismantled the doctrine of "separate but equal," set a legal and moral precedent that advocates later used to challenge the segregation of students with disabilities, prompting a surge in activism and awareness [1].

The 1970s marked a transformative period with the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law guaranteed every child with a disability the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). It introduced key principles still in practice today, such as Zero Reject, the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and due process protections. In the 1990s and 2000s, the movement toward inclusion gained momentum, encouraging the integration of students with disabilities into general education classrooms. This shift reflected the growing belief that all students benefit from inclusive educational settings, regardless of ability [1].

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, psychology and mental testing began to shape public understanding of disability. Early intelligence tests developed by psychologists like Alfred Binet were originally intended to identify and support students with cognitive disabilities. However, others misused these tools to label individuals as inferior, leading to the development of segregated educational systems where students deemed to have “low intelligence” were placed in separate schools or institutions [2].

Globally, the push for inclusive education mirrored civil rights movements in various countries. In India, the National Policy on Education (1986) emphasized education for all, including students with disabilities. Landmark legislation such as the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 further reinforced the right to inclusive education. These reforms signified a move away from exclusionary models toward systems that embrace diversity and equal opportunity [2].

The founding of organizations further shaped the development of special education. In 1876, the American Association on Mental Deficiency (AAMD) was established to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. It played a key role in influencing policy, improving educational methods, and raising awareness. In 1922, a group of educators created the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), which has since become a leading voice in advocating for high-quality, individualized education for students with special needs. The CEC continues to offer resources, professional development, and policy guidance to educators working in the field [3].

From the second half of the 20th century onward, assistive technology significantly advanced the accessibility and effectiveness of special education. Tools such as braille keyboards, text-to-speech software, and screen readers opened new learning opportunities for students with visual or hearing impairments. Specialized software programs have also been developed for students with learning difficulties, offering targeted support in areas such as math or speech therapy. The physical learning environment has become more inclusive as well, with features like adjustable desks, ramps, and FM systems ensuring accessibility for all students [3].

Despite the emergence of special schools in the 19th century, the early 20th century witnessed a darker era marked by widespread institutionalization and segregation. Many children with disabilities were deemed “uneducable” and were either kept at home or placed in institutions that provided minimal educational value. However, hope began to emerge between the 1930s and 1950s through the efforts of parent advocacy groups [4].

Parents of children with disabilities began to challenge the educational status quo, demanding equitable opportunities for their children. Their efforts culminated in two landmark court cases in 1972—PARC v. Pennsylvania and Mills v. Board of Education—which affirmed the right of students with disabilities to a free, appropriate public education. These rulings set the stage for the 1975 passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), the most significant legislative milestone of the time. EAHCA mandated that all public schools receiving federal funding must provide equal access to education for children with physical and mental disabilities [4].

Citations

[1] Patel, A. (2024, August 29). A History of Special Education: Milestones and progress. Aequor Health. https://www.aequor.com/resources/a-history-of-special-education-milestones-and-progress/

[2] Kumar, P. (2025, May 30). The Evolution of Special Education: From Asylums to Inclusive Learning • Teachers Institute. Teachers Institute. https://teachers.institute/higher-education-the-psycho-social-context/evolution-special-education-asylums-inclusive-learning/

[3] K Altman Law. (2024, November 27). Historical Special Education timeline - K Altman Law. https://www.kaltmanlaw.com/post/history-special-education-timeline

[4] NeuroLaunch.com. (2024, August 11). Special education timeline: From exclusion to inclusion. https://neurolaunch.com/timeline-of-special-education/

Additional Sources

Hanson, J. (2024, November 28). History of Special Ed: A timeline of key events. Special Education Journey. https://special-education-journey.com/special-education-timeline-of-events-history-of-special-education/#google_vignette

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (2024, February 16). A history of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/IDEA-History