Laws and Legislation Concerning Individuals with Disabilities in the U.S.

By maxdolinko

  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

    ESAE is the nation’s national education law, providing a commitment to equal opportunity for all students. This was later reauthorized as NCLB, then recently as ESSA.

  • Fair Housing Act

    Under the Fair Housing Act, it is against the law to discriminate against people based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability when renting or selling homes.

  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs run by federal agencies and employment opportunities.

  • The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act

    VAEHA requires states to make the voting process more accessible to people with disabilities.

  • Air Career Access Act

    ACAA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel. Under this law, airlines are required to provide assistance with boarding, deplaning and making connections.

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    In 1990 when ADA was first enacted, the purpose was to make society more accessible and acceptable to individuals with disabilities. Since then, there have been several amendments to the law. ADA is divided into five titles: Employment, Public Service, Public Accommodation, Telecommunications, and Miscellaneous.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was first enacted in 1975. In 1990, EHA was renamed to IDEA. IDEA ensures that children with disabilities are granted a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). IDEA was a major milestone in the fight for equal rights. IEPs, safeguards, and parent/teacher communication are all components of IDEA.

  • Assistive Technology Act

    The Tech Act is intended to promote people’s awareness of, and access to, assistive technology (AT) devices and services. It was reauthorized several times.

  • No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

    NCLB established high standards and measurable goals as a means to improve individual success. The Act required standardized testing for all students.

  • ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA)

    This amendment to ADA broadened the definition of disability, which was previously narrowed by U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

    ESSA replaced NCLB, providing less governmental influence on educational policies for each state.