These laws play crucial roles in ensuring students with disabilities receive appropriate educational opportunities and accommodations:
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): This law mandates public schools to provide free and appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to individual needs through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). It emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet the unique needs of each child with a disability.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Section 504 ensures that any program receiving federal financial assistance must provide accommodations and modifications to allow students with disabilities to participate fully. Unlike IDEA, it can apply to all students with disabilities, not just those eligible for special education, ensuring broader protection against discrimination.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This law prohibits discrimination based on disability in all public and private schools, regardless of the receipt of federal funds. It broadens the scope of protection to include not just educational opportunities but also access to facilities and other services.
Collectively, these laws ensure that students with disabilities can access educational opportunities on equal terms with their peers, promoting inclusion and equal rights.
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