Discuss the back ground of special education

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Special education has a long and complex history that has evolved over time in response to changing societal attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. The development of special education can be traced back to at least the early 19th century when institutions were established to care for and educate individuals with disabilities. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that special education began to be recognized as a distinct field with its own set of practices and principles.

One of the key milestones in the history of special education was the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, which mandated that all children with disabilities be provided with a free and appropriate public education. This landmark legislation laid the foundation for the development of special education services in the United States and has since been expanded and amended to include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990.

Today, special education is a highly specialized and multifaceted field that encompasses a wide range of services and supports for individuals with disabilities. These services can include individualized education programs (IEPs), specialized instruction, therapy services, assistive technology, and accommodations and modifications to the general education curriculum. Special education professionals work closely with students, families, and other stakeholders to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve academic success.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on inclusive education, which aims to provide all students, including those with disabilities, with access to the general education curriculum and the opportunity to learn alongside their peers. This shift towards inclusive practices reflects a broader societal recognition of the importance of diversity and equity in education.

Overall, the history of special education is one of progress and evolution, as society continues to strive towards creating more inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

| Year | Milestone |
|------|-----------|
| Early 19th century | Establishment of institutions for individuals with disabilities |
| 1975 | Passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act |
| 1990 | Enactment of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act |

Reference:
Turnbull, H. R., Turnbull, A. P., Shank, M., & Smith, S. J. (2004). Exceptional lives: Special education in today's schools. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.