1. OCR Statutes Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975

2. The Institutions We Cover
State Education Agencies
Elementary and Secondary School Systems
Colleges and Universities
Adult Education and GED Programs
Vocational and Proprietary schools
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Libraries

3. OCR’s Approach to Civil Rights Enforcement
Technical Assistance
Presentations
Partnership Activities
Response to Inquiries
Complaint Processing
Resolution Between the Parties
Agreement to Resolve
Letter of Finding
Administrative/Judicial proceedings

4. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by recipients of federal financial assistance (Includes virtually all public and private colleges and universities, all public schools)
Regulations are generally more specific than Title II, and include requirements specific to colleges and universities – 34 CFR Part 104

5. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by public entities.
Definitions same as 504 but contains some definitions not found in Section 504, such as “communication.”
Requirements similar to Section 504.

6. Basic civil rights objectives of Section 504 and the ADA
End isolation of persons with disabilities
Secure equal opportunity
Not necessarily identical treatment
Equivalent treatment (comparative)
Remove unnecessary barriers through academic adjustments and auxiliary aids
Foster independence
Prevent a hostile environment
ADA: 42 USC 12201(a)(8). The Congress finds that … the Nations proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities are to assure equality of
opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals

7. Some Technology-Based Programs and Activities
Web sites
Distance learning
Computer labs & class workstations
systems
Online services e.g., course registration
Library services e.g., catalog systems
“Business services” e.g., ticketing

8. Summary of Principles
Students must be provided equally effective access to the program
Every “program” and “activity” is covered
On-site programs
Off-site programs
Programs receiving “significant assistance”
Non-academic programs

9. 504, Title II & 508 all require access to information technology
504 and Title II prohibit covered entities from discriminating against any person because of disability, whereas …
508 contains specific standards for providing accessible technology – 36 CFR Part The standards are useful guidelines to consider for entities generally.

10. Summary of Principles (cont’d)
Goal is “equally effective … communication”— a comparative standard for access to information
Law contemplates increased independence for people with disabilities through accessible technology
The preferences of consumers with disabilities need to be seriously considered
Failure to plan for technology access and ad hoc approach may result in access denial

11. Summary of Principles (cont’d)
Institutions’ responsibilities aren’t without limits
Modifications and auxiliary aids and services not required if they would fundamentally alter the program or conflict with essential program requirements

12. OCR Contact Information
OCR Web site:
Phone: (800)
Tim Spofford
(206)