American Disabilities Act (ADA/504)

What is the law?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that: "No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Who is Protected by the Law?

A "person with a disability" includes "any person who, 1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities; 2) has a record of such an impairment, or 3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

A "qualified person with a disability" is defined as one who meets the requisite academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in the postsecondary institution's programs and activities. Section 504 protects the civil rights of individuals who are qualified to participate and who have disabilities such as but not not limited to the following:

• Blindness or visual impairments
• Cerebal palsy
• Chronic illness, such as: AIDS, arthritis, cancer, cardiac diseases, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, psychiatric disabilities
• Deafness or hearing impairments
• Drug or alcohol additions (Section 504 covers former users and those in recovery programs and not currently using drugs or alcohol.)
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Mental retardation
• Orthopedic impairments
• Specific learning disability
• Speech Disorder
• Spinal cord or traumatic brain injury

What is the Impact of the Law on Postsecondary Education?

Colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance must not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, or treatment of students. Students with documented disabilities may request modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids which will enable them to participate in and benefit from all postsecondary educational programs and activities. Postsecondary institutions must make such changes to ensure that the academic program is accessible to the greatest extent possible for all students with disabilities.