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Disability Discrimination: Key Issues

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces two laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability by programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits discrimination based on disability by public entities. OCR enforces Section 504 with respect to recipients of federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. OCR, along with the U.S. Department of Justice, enforces Title II with respect to public educational entities (other than schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and other health-related schools) and public libraries. Explore some key issue areas below for more information, including relevant case resolutions, policy guidance, and other publications.

Specific Illnesses and Medical Conditions

Find fact sheets, Dear Colleague Letters, and other materials that address how some specific health conditions can affect students with disabilities.

Discipline, Restraint, and Seclusion

Information about the unlawful use of discipline, restraint, and seclusion on students with disabilities.

Providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Students with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under Section 504 in K-12 settings.

Equal Access to Opportunities

Students with disabilities have the equal right to opportunities such as courses, field trips, extracurriculars, and other services.

Academic Adjustments for Postsecondary Students

Materials related to the civil rights of postsecondary students with disabilities.

Technology Accessibility

Information and resources about the rights of individuals who have disabilities that affect how they use technology and access digital content.

Programs and Facilities Accessibility

Resources related to physical accessibility requirements that enable individuals with disabilities to access programs and facilities.

Bullying and Harassment

Information about schools’ obligation to address bullying and harassment.

Retaliation

Retaliatory acts against any individual who exercises their rights under Section 504 or Title II are considered to be discrimination.

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Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO)
Page Last Reviewed:
December 17, 2024