How did special education begin?

Special education began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as awareness grew about the needs of individuals with disabilities. Pioneers like Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard and Édouard Séguin developed methods to educate children with intellectual disabilities. The movement gained momentum in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, leading to legal reforms and the establishment of specialized schools. Today, special education emphasizes inclusion, individualized support, and access to quality education for all students.