The History of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), and special education professionals across the country are taking time to reflect on how far special education has come. DDAM began in 1987 to raise public awareness and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, but that’s just the beginning!
The Early Days of Special Education
Before special education laws were set, children with special needs were denied any formal learning. It was extremely difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis back then, and the special education system was chaotic at best. Children weren’t receiving proper diagnoses or special education services because there wasn’t a way of measuring their performance. Exact criteria for identifying students who needed special education services didn’t exist until the 1960s when Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This law required states to develop special education programs to provide a “Free Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE) for all students with disabilities. This was a monumental shift in thinking, and it ensured that children with developmental disabilities received the proper care and education they required.
Present Day Special Education
Since the inception of this law, special education has come a long way. Currently, more than 13 million students with disabilities receive special education services in the United States. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), first passed in 1975 and most recently amended in 2004, guarantees all children with special needs a free, appropriate public education. Despite these advances, there is still much work to be done. Many students with disabilities are not receiving the special education services they need and deserve. We must continue to advocate for change so that all children can access quality education.
Choose The Deron School
Since 1967, The Deron School has been dedicated to providing high-quality special education services to students with developmental disabilities. Today, we continue that legacy by offering a unique and individualized approach to special education. Our highly skilled team of special education professionals provides each student with the support they need to reach their full potential.
If you’re looking for a special education school that will meet your child’s unique needs, we invite you to choose The Deron School. Visit our website or call us today to learn more about our programs and services.
How The Deron School Can Help
The Deron School offers a state-approved private school program and services tailored to your child’s needs. If you believe that your child would benefit from our wide array of resources and services, don’t hesitate to contact us with any admission inquiries.