Disability Laws in Post-Secondary Education
A student with a disability is entitled by law to equal access to University programs. There are two federal laws that protect persons with disabilities in postsecondary education: the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub. L. No. 93-112, as amended) and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (Pub. L. No. 101-336).
The ADA is a federal civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA provides additional protection for persons with disabilities in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADA is designed to remove barriers that prevent qualified individuals with disabilities from enjoying the same opportunities that are available to persons without disabilities.
Disability Definitions
ADA defines a person with a disability as a person:
- with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
- who has a record of the disability,
- or who is regarded as having a disability.
In addition, students must be "otherwise qualified." Students must be able to meet the technical and academic qualifications for entry into the school, program, or activity in order to be considered otherwise qualified.
Resources
"What is a reasonable accommodation?" - Jane E. Jarrow, Ph.D.
"When faculty are TOO accommodating!" - Jane E. Jarrow, Ph.D.