Special education has evolved for a number of decades if not centuries, major development have taken place from inception and different communities have treated people with disabilities according to the level of civilization and education and education.
i. Summarize the history of special education globally with references
Special education has a long and complex history globally, with various approaches and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities evolving over time.
In ancient civilizations, such as in ancient Greece and Rome, people with disabilities were often marginalized and excluded from society. However, there were also instances of education and care for individuals with disabilities during this time. For example, in ancient Greece, philosopher Plato advocated for the education of children with disabilities.
During the Middle Ages, a more religious perspective was adopted, with the belief that disabilities were a result of sin and punishment. Individuals with disabilities were often institutionalized or segregated from society.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw some advancements in the field of special education. In 1751, Samuel Gridley Howe founded the first American school for individuals with disabilities, the Perkins School for the Blind. This marked the beginning of specialized schools for individuals with disabilities.
The 20th century brought significant progress in special education globally. The period between the two World Wars witnessed the emergence of special education as a recognized field of study. The establishment of institutions and organizations dedicated to the education and care of individuals with disabilities took place in many countries. In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognized the rights of individuals with disabilities to education.
The 1970s and 1980s were pivotal for special education globally, as the rights of individuals with disabilities became a major concern. Various countries enacted legislation that aimed to ensure equal opportunities and access to education for individuals with disabilities. In the United States, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) mandated that all children with disabilities be provided with a free appropriate public education.
Since then, there has been a growing emphasis on inclusion and mainstreaming of individuals with disabilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006 reinforced the importance of inclusive education and equal access to education for individuals with disabilities.
It is important to note that the history of special education globally is complex and varied across different countries and cultural contexts. References to specific sources or research articles can provide further in-depth information on the history of special education in various regions.