There are useful programs authorized by federal laws available to assist in advocating for your child in an educational setting and prevent discrimination based on your child’s disability.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C § 794 (Section 504) is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education (i.e. public elementary, middle, high school or college/university). It is designed to prohibit discrimination based on disabilities in educational programs or activities. Qualified students with disabilities must be determined to have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Any student deemed qualified under Section 504 will receive a plan with accommodations designed to provide appropriate education services to meet a student’s individual needs.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law designed to provide funds (at the state and local education agency level) for special education programs in the elementary and secondary educational setting. IDEA applies primarily to students with disabilities that affect learning. Any student receiving special education must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan designed to help improve the educational outcomes for children with disabilities.

For more information about the IDEA program or Section 504, please visit:

• http://idea.ed.gov/explore/home
• http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html

To read about additional laws that protect individuals with disabilities, please visit:

• http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm
• http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
• http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/qa-disability.html
• http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/qa-disability.html