There are several laws that may apply to the educational setting. Public primary and secondary schools will likely need to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Title II of the ADA. Private primary and secondary schools will likely need to comply with Section 504 and IDEA. Postsecondary educational institutions, such as colleges and universities, will need to comply with the ADA (Title II if publicly funded, Title III if a private school), and likely Section 504. However IDEA does not apply to students beyond high school. The Department of Education enforces disability provisions of all three laws within the educational setting.
To learn more about the Department of Education's resources and enforcement regarding disability discrimination in the educational setting, visit the ed.gov website.
The Northeast ADA Center developed a self-study transition curriculum designed for the competitive work/college bound student with disabilities. To access the whole curriculum, visit: "Beyond High School–How to Transition to Your Future".
The Northeast ADA Center designed and delivered a webinar in March, 2010 titled, "Disability in Higher Education: Legal, Practical, and Human Issues," that is now archived. To watch the presentation, download the slides, listen to the audio, or read the transcript, visit our webinar archives page
The goal of electronic mentoring is to increase students' confidence and communication skills so that they can achieve more in school and the workplace. It also teaches businesses about the abilities of students with a disability. The program starts by connecting schools with a business and then the students maintain weekly contact with their mentor via email. This e-mentoring is supported by events within the school.
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability works to ensure workforce development services successfully prepare young adults with a disability for the workplace. The website discusses the skills necessary to work with youth. It also provides publications about running effective mentoring and workforce development programs.
American Job Centers offer information and resources about the job application process to help jobseekers obtain employment. The Centers can also help jobseekers find an appropriate training or apprenticeship. To find the center nearest you, visit their searchable site at the service locator.
For additional questions regarding education and how the various laws intersect, please contact our Technical Assistance team!