This lecture explores the historical development of Iceland’s special education system for blind and deaf individuals in the early 20th century. Iceland underwent rapid modernization, adopting Scandinavian educational models, particularly from Denmark. However, a stark disparity emerged between the treatment of deaf and blind individuals. While deaf students were integrated into vocational training and a distinct cultural-linguistic community, blind individuals had no comparable educational infrastructure, often remaining dependent on charity or familial support. This study examines how these educational policies shaped the lives of disabled individuals and their integration into Icelandic society. The findings offer broader insights into disability history, modernization, and educational policies that resonate with scholars studying historical social structures in wider context.