September 1959:
The BC government amended the School Act, which enabled public school boards to take over full responsibility for the education and training of “moderately retarded” children. This was the first time in Canada that educating children with special needs was recognized as a public responsibility. Legislation also increased children attending chapter schools by 50%, and permitted boards to provide accommodation for the children.
Also in 1959, through parental pressure, the University of B.C. became the first Canadian university to appoint a Professor of Special Education to train teachers of children with disabilities.
