"no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the
United States shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or
be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving
federal financial assistance"
What does this mean for students?
- Discrimination against individuals with disabilities is prohibited
by the federal government within programs and activities receiving
federal financial assistance, including public schools
- Students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits one or more of their major life activities are protected;
those who have disabilities such as orthopedic impairments or
conditions such as hepatitis, but do not qualify for special education
services are included. School districts must implement procedures
to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the full
range of programs, activities and services.
- A student's 504 plan describes all reasonable accommodations
that include a change in routine, method or approach (RESNA, 1992),
and must be stated on the IEP or a separate form. Examples such
as changes in time requirements and testing accommodations are
included as well as AT devices and services.
1992 Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation
Act
Section 508 (P.L. 102-569)
In 1992, Section 508 further strengthened the rights of individuals
to be provided access to electronic and information technology.
It requires that Federal agencies' electronic and information technology
-- such as federal Web sites, telecommunications, software, hardware,
printers, fax machines, copiers, and information kiosks -- are accessible
to people with disabilities. It is working to establish standards
for accessibility. Final regulations were published in 2001.
Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990
(P.L. 101-336)
In 1990, the ADA was passed, giving full civil rights to all individuals
with disabilities. It extends Section 504 by prohibiting discrimination
in public and private sector employment, public accommodation, transportation,
state and local government services and telecommunications.
For students with disabilities, the ADA prohibits discrimination
and extends the right of access to ALL educational programs and
services whether or not the school receives federal funding.
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AT Laws |
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