Laws & Regulations

Fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Education on the ARRA and new funding for programs under Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The U.S. Department of Justice provides information about the ADA through a toll-free information line (1-800-514-0301). This service permits businesses, state and local governments and others to ask questions about general or specific ADA requirements and order ADA technical assistance materials.

Electronic reading room for viewing ADA documents, including settlements and consent agreements.

U.S. Department of Justice regulations regarding nondiscrimination on the basis of disability by public accommodations and in commercial facilities.

Fact sheet from the American Council on Education examines the Higher Education Opportunity Act, including its impact on college costs, student financial aid and accreditation. This links open a PDF document.

There are 14 primary disabilities included in the IDEA under the definition of child with a disability. These definitions guide how states define disability, and determine eligibility for a free public education under special education laws.

Technical assistance for state departments of education, parents and school administrators using mediation and other collaborative strategies to resolve disagreements about special education and early intervention programs.

Online form for filing a complaint that an educational institution or other covered entity has discriminated on the basis of disability.

Answers from the U.S. Department of Education about educational requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

A national law and policy center dedicated to protecting and advancing civil rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, advocacy, technical assistance and education of attorneys, advocates, persons with disabilities and parents.

Answers to common questions about educating children with disabilities, including the differences between the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

ESEA program description regarding the purpose, eligibility and awards to local education agencies and schools with high numbers of poor children to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Information about filing a complaint about discrimination with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

Assists educators, parents and state and local educational agencies in implementing the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding IEPs for children with disabilities.

Wrightslaw article discusses changes to IEP procedures due to the 2004 reauthorization of the IDEA.

Information about the Impact Aid Law, now Title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), which provides assistance to local school districts with concentrations of children residing on Indian lands, military bases, low-rent housing properties or other federal properties.

Information and resources about the IDEA from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY).

Fact sheet from the Arc regarding procedural safeguards (provisions in IDEA which protect parents' and students' rights with respect to the provision of a free appropriate public education) and the IDEA. This link opens a Word document.

Information on the purposes and key definitions of IDEA from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY). This link opens a PDF document.

Information for families and schools regarding modified academic achievement standards under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This information can be downloaded in PDF format.

A January 2008 report from the National Council on Disability (NCD) about the No Child Left Behind Act and the IDEA and how educators across the country are reexamining their practices to find ways to close the achievement gaps between groups of students.

Choose your state from the drop-down menu on this Web page to find contact information for your state protection and advocacy agency (P&A). P&As are federally mandated non-profit organizations that provide individuals with disabilities and/or mental illness free assistance in making sure their rights to education, employment opportunities and other services are not violated.

An online resource designed to help school district officials and parents understand how the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides for students with disabilities enrolled by their parents in private elementary schools and secondary schools. Document is in Word format.

Information regarding the placement of students with disabilities in elementary and secondary schools under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA.