The Americans with Disabilities Act

Introduction Protects people with disabilities from discrimination Public school- employment, general nondiscrimination, communications, and program accessibility No student specific rights are granted in the ADA beyond those of Section 504

Purpose of ADA Assure persons with disabilities equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency Eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities Provide standards to follow Involve the Federal government in enforcement

Purpose (cont.) Extends the civil rights and antidiscrimination protections of 504 to any governmental agency or private business open to the public Who is protected- mirrors 504

Titles Employment, public service, public accommodations operated by a private entity, telecommunications, and miscellaneous

School District Responsibilities Appoint an ADA compliance coordinator (over 50 employees) Conduct a self-evaluation which includes: nondiscriminatory provisions, employment, accessibility, communication Develop transition plans Prohibit discrimination