1800

During this time, the majority of students with disabilities were excluded from school, and their
acceptance in educational institutions was limited. However, some parents were able to pay for private
schools or engage private tutors for their children with disabilities.
1850
Growing number of isolated schools for students with disabilities were available. These schools
were mostly in rural areas but were moving in the right direction.
1880
The rise of eugenics concepts, promoted by scientist Francis Galton, sparked talks about
sterilizing disabled people. As a result, many persons with disabilities were placed in facilities with
conditions and treatment that resembled prisons.
1920
While more students with disabilities began to attend public schools, they remained primarily
segregated into distinct classes and spaces within the school.
1970
Special education started. Laws were put in place for funding for special education students and
public law 94142 was passed as the foundation for special education.
1990
The passage of laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 ensured that
students with disabilities had the right to access a general education curriculum. This was a significant
milestone in encouraging inclusion and equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities.
Today
Efforts to encourage inclusion have gained steam, with the goal of allowing all students with
disabilities to participate alongside their non-disabled peers in general education settings. These inclusion
movements aim to foster an educational climate in which students with disabilities are completely
integrated and supported.