OCR works to ensure that schools give students with disabilities opportunities equal to those provided to students without disabilities to pursue college or careers, by providing equal access to academic and vocational courses, including high-rigor courses. Additionally, schools must provide equal access to students with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the program, including field trips, extra-curricular activities, and non-academic services. These obligations apply to colleges as well.
Policy Guidance
No documents currently available; OCR may include relevant documents on this page in the future.
| Date | Resource |
|---|---|
| November 2024 | Equal Access to Elementary and Secondary Education for Students Who Are English Learners with Disabilities This fact sheet explains the legal requirements that schools must follow to ensure equal access to elementary and secondary education for students who are English Learners with disabilities. It also identifies practices that could, depending on facts and circumstances, raise concerns under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
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| January 2013 | "Dear Colleague" letter from Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Seth Galanter, addressing equal access to extracurricular athletics for students with disabilities. The "Dear Colleague" letter provides an overview of the obligations of public elementary and secondary schools under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and the Department’s Section 504 regulations; cautions against making decisions based on presumptions and stereotypes; details the specific Section 504 regulations that require students with disabilities to have an equal opportunity for participation in nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities; and discusses the provision of separate or different athletic opportunities.
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| December 2007 | Guidance on Access by Students with Disabilities to Accelerated Programs "Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe addressing the rights of students with disabilities to participate in schools’ and school districts’ accelerated programs, such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes or programs.
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Please see our Reading Room for a full list of guidance documents on issues related to Disability Discrimination.
Case Resolutions
- Rockdale County School District (GA) (04-14-1025)
- Shenendehowa Central School District (NY) (02-13-1247)
- More Case Resolutions
Publications
- Equal Access to Comparable Education PDF (4MB)