Full Description
"Educators need a source that is written in an easy-to-understand format. This book offers many examples of case law that can be applied to educational settings. It is a wonderful resource that covers a range of topics pertinent to teachers and administrators."
—Carol Shiffer, Assistant Principal and 504 Coordinator
Quincy Public Schools, MA
A concise legal desk reference to help educators protect the rights of individuals with disabilities!
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act have greatly reduced discrimination based on race, gender, and disability. To act legally and responsibly, educators need to be aware of the requirements of these laws and how to meet them. This book offers an expert review of the rights and expectations of persons with disabilities.
Section 504 and the ADA provides educators with an in-depth analysis of these laws and offers recommendations for practice. Chapters cover:
Testing accommodations and educational access for students with disabilities
The rights of employees with disabilities
Legal considerations regarding parents and the general public
Background information on defenses, immunities, remedies, and the legal system
One of the few resources to focus specifically on the implications of Section 504 and the ADA for public K-12 schools, private schools, and postsecondary institutions, this essential guide helps educators ensure equity for all students.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. Introduction: Education and the American Legal System
Key Concepts in This Chapter
Introduction
Sources of Law
Constitutions
Statutes and Regulations
Common Law
Court Systems
Finding Legal Materials
History
Exclusionary Practices
Civil Rights Movement
Equal Educational Opportunity Movement
A New Era for Students With Disabilities
The Right to an Appropriate Education Delineated
Landmark Litigation
Other Significant Cases
Legislative Response to PARC and Mills
Recommendations
References
2. Anti-Discrimination Legislation: An Overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act
Key Concepts in This Chapter
Introduction
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Individual With a Disability Defined
Otherwise Qualified Explained
Requirement to Provide Reasonable Accommodations
Application of Section 504 to Parents and Others Who Access a School
Americans With Disabilities Act
ADA's Definition of Individual With a Disability
Exceptions
Five Titles of the ADA
Similarities Between Section 504 and the ADA
Summary
Recommendations
References
3. Students
Key Concepts in This Chapter
Introduction
Students in Elementary and Secondary Schools
Prohibition Against Discrimination
Definition of Disability
Otherwise Qualified Students With Disabilities
Reasonable Accommodations
Appropriate Education
Athletics
Testing Accommodations
Undue Burden
Section 504/ADA Service Plans
Students in Non-Public Schools
Admissions Examinations/Standards
Students in Higher Education
Discriminatory Practices Prohibited
Disability
Otherwise Qualified Students With Disabilities
Reasonable Accommodations
Summary
Recommendations for Practice
References
4. Employees
Key Concepts in This Chapter
Introduction
Discrimination Claims
Differential Treatment
Impairments Not Covered
Mitigation of Impairments
Disciplinary Action
Otherwise Qualified Individuals With Disabilities
Essential Job Functions
Reassignments
Failure to Meet Prerequisite Requirements
Poor Performance and Misconduct
Reasonable Accommodations
Accommodating Physical Challenges
Accommodating Disease and Illness
Reassignments
Relief Denied
Summary
Recommendations for Practice
References
5. Parents and the General Public
Key Concepts in This Chapter
Introduction
Applicable Provisions of Section 504 and the ADA
Public Entities
Public Accommodations
Private Institutions
Parents
General Public
Summary
Recommendations for Practice
References
6. Defenses, Immunities, and Remedies
Key Concepts in This Chapter
Introduction
Defenses
Eleventh Amendment Immunity
Sovereign Immunity Under Section 504
Sovereign Immunity Under the ADA
Effect on State Agencies and School Boards
Damages
Individual Defendants
Attorney Fees
Exhaustion of IDEA Administrative Remedies
Statute of Limitations
Summary
Recommendations for Practice
References
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Index
