Americans With Disabilities Act

Video ME8

Protections of the ADA Similar protections against discrimination to Americans with disabilities as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and other characteristics illegal.

In addition, unlike the Civil Rights Act, the ADA also requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, and imposes accessibility requirements on public accommodations.

"Capitol Crawl" Shortly before the act was passed, disability rights activists with physical disabilities coalesced in front of the Capitol Building, shed their crutches, wheelchairs, power-chairs and other assistive devices, and immediately proceeded to crawl and pull their bodies up all 100 of the Capitol's front steps, without warning.

As the activists did so, many of them chanted "ADA now", and "Vote, Now". Some activists who remained at the bottom of the steps held signs and yelled words of encouragement at the "Capitol Crawlers". Jennifer Keelan, a second grader with cerebral palsy, was videotaped as she pulled herself up the steps, using mostly her hands and arms, saying "I'll take all night if I have to."

Bush’s Remarks I know there may have been concerns that the ADA may be too vague or too costly, or may lead endlessly to litigation. But I want to reassure you right now that my administration and the United States Congress have carefully crafted this Act. We've all been determined to ensure that it gives flexibility, particularly in terms of the timetable of implementation; and we've been committed to containing the costs that may be incurred.... Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down. I know there may have been concerns that the ADA may be too vague or too costly, or may lead endlessly to litigation. But I want to reassure you right now that my administration and the United States Congress have carefully crafted this Act. We've all been determined to ensure that it gives flexibility, particularly in terms of the timetable of implementation; and we've been committed to containing the costs that may be incurred.... Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.

Criticisms The ADA has been criticized on the grounds that it decreases the employment rate for people with disabilities and raises the cost of doing business for employers, in large part due to the additional legal risks, which employers avoid by quietly avoiding hiring people with disabilities

Schools All children with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Public schools have obligations to students with disabilities under IDEA and the ADA.

Individualized Education Program (IEP) A federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that public schools create an IEP for every child receiving special education services. Kids from age 3 through high school graduation or a maximum age of 22 (whichever comes first) may be eligible for an IEP.

The IEP is meant to address each child’s unique learning issues and include specific educational goals. It is a legally binding document. The school must provide everything it promises in the IEP.

A statement of the child’s present level of performance (PLOP)—this is how your child is doing in school now Child’s annual educational goals Special education supports and services that the school will provide to help the child reach goals Modifications and accommodations the school will provide to help the child make progress Accommodations the child will be allowed when taking standardized tests How and when the school will measure the child’s progress toward annual goals Transition planning that prepares teens for life after high school A statement of the child’s present level of performance (PLOP)—this is how your child is doing in school now Child’s annual educational goals Special education supports and services that the school will provide to help the child reach goals Modifications and accommodations the school will provide to help the child make progress Accommodations the child will be allowed when taking standardized tests How and when the school will measure the child’s progress toward annual goals Transition planning that prepares teens for life after high school

Who Participates? At least one general education teachers. At least one special education teacher or other special education provider. A school district representative knowledgeable about both general education and special education When your child turns 16, he’ll be expected to participate as a member of his IEP. At least one general education teachers. At least one special education teacher or other special education provider. A school district representative knowledgeable about both general education and special education When your child turns 16, he’ll be expected to participate as a member of his IEP.

504 Plan Much like an IEP, a 504 plan can help students with learning and attention issues learn and participate in the general education curriculum. A 504 plan outlines how a child’s specific needs are met with accommodations, modifications and other services. These measures “remove barriers” to learning.

A student with a 504 plan usually spends the entire school day in a general education classroom. And typically, children who need modifications would have an IEP, not a 504 plan.

Definitions of Disability for 504 Section 504 defines disabilit” in very broad terms. That’s why children who aren’t eligible for an IEP may qualify for a 504 plan. Section 504 defines a person with a disability as someone who: – Has a physical or mental impairment that “substantially” limits one or more major life activity (such as reading or concentrating). – Has a record of the impairment. – Is regarded as having an impairment, or a significant difficulty that isn’t temporary. For example, a broken leg isn’t an impairment, but a chronic condition, like a food allergy, might be. Section 504 defines disabilit” in very broad terms. That’s why children who aren’t eligible for an IEP may qualify for a 504 plan. Section 504 defines a person with a disability as someone who: – Has a physical or mental impairment that “substantially” limits one or more major life activity (such as reading or concentrating). – Has a record of the impairment. – Is regarded as having an impairment, or a significant difficulty that isn’t temporary. For example, a broken leg isn’t an impairment, but a chronic condition, like a food allergy, might be.

Steps for 504 First the school has to do an evaluation to decide if a child’s disability “substantially” limits his ability to learn and participate in the general education classroom. This evaluation can be initiated by either the parent or the school. If the school initiates the evaluation, it must notify the parents and get the parents’ consent to evaluate a child for a 504 plan. First the school has to do an evaluation to decide if a child’s disability “substantially” limits his ability to learn and participate in the general education classroom. This evaluation can be initiated by either the parent or the school. If the school initiates the evaluation, it must notify the parents and get the parents’ consent to evaluate a child for a 504 plan.

Activity Take out your devices and research something that interested you today. Get some good information about it and write it down, at least 5 aspects of the topic you’re looking into. We will then share as a class. Take out your devices and research something that interested you today. Get some good information about it and write it down, at least 5 aspects of the topic you’re looking into. We will then share as a class.