April 2012 Since the 1960s, there has been a virtual avalanche of federal legislation that relates directly or indirectly to individuals with disabilities, particularly children and youth. Use the links below to explore several of the most influential laws. These form the core of current protection against discrimination and current guarantees of equal educational opportunity that individuals with disabilities have in our nation. Also see … [Read more...]
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PDFGet a Copy of IDEA
September 2010 This information in Spanish | Esta información en español If you are involved in the well-being of an infant, toddler, child, or youth with disabilities, you'll find reading the exact language of IDEA both illuminating and important. In addition to being able to read it here, online, you may also wish to download a full copy, print it out, and keep it handy. The Law (Statute) Current Name: The Individuals with Disabilities Education … [Read more...]
IDEA—the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
November 2012 In Spanish | En español IDEA was originally enacted by Congress in 1975 to ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education, just like other children. The law has been revised many times over the years. The most recent amendments were passed by Congress in December 2004, with final regulations published in August 2006 (Part B for school-aged children) and in September … [Read more...]
Part B of IDEA: Services for School-Aged Children
September 2010 In Spanish | En español Since the enactment of the original legislation in 1975, children and youth (ages 3-22) receive special education and related services under Part B of IDEA. Part B is so named because it's the second part of the law itself. Its four parts are: Part A - General Provisions Part B - Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities Part C - Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Part D … [Read more...]
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
October 2010 Resources updated, August 2012 Sobre el ADA en español | About the ADA in Spanish The Americans with Disabilities Act makes it possible for everyone with a disability to live a life of freedom and equality. Passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President on July 26, 1990, the ADA is the first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. The ADA protects the civil rights of people with disabilities … [Read more...]
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Sobre la Sección 504 en español | About Section 504 in Spanish April 2012 No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504 of the … [Read more...]
NCLB | The No Child Left Behind Act
January 2011 The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, Public Law (P.L.) 107-110, is the nation's general education law. It was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in 2001. Although it is referred to as NCLB, it actually amends longstanding legislation, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). NCLB has brought sweeping changes to our educational systems. Through this webpage, you can connect with what NCLB requires, … [Read more...]
GINA–the law against genetic discrimination
With genetic testing becoming increasingly pervasive in medical care and our daily lives, three of the most prominent organizations in genetics (the Genetics and Public Policy Center at Johns Hopkins University, the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics, and Genetic Alliance) have teamed up to produce educational materials about the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), a landmark federal law that protects individuals … [Read more...]
Differences in how “disability” is defined in federal laws for children and for adults
This December 2010 report is the Country Report for the United States, written to capture our status at the moment regarding Pathways for Disabled Students to Tertiary Education and Employment. Chapter 1 will give you the ultimate authoritative summation of how the federal laws in the United States define the term “disability.” These definitions have important implications for youths with disabilities as they transition to adulthood and to education, … [Read more...]
What U.S. laws and policies provide “pathways” for students with disabilities to life after high school?
This December 2010 report is the Country Report for the United States, written to capture our status at the moment regarding Pathways for Disabled Students to Tertiary Education and Employment. The title’s a mouthful, but the content is a gold mine. It’s precise and authoritative about the U.S. policies and laws in…well…look at the title again! The report was written through the teaming of multiple federal agencies. Inside you’ll find a … [Read more...]
