Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) are civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Both laws are enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice. The ADA was designed to provide broad protection for people with disabilities. Section 504 provides more limited protection, covering only federal programs and activities.
Purpose of Section 504 and ADA
The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George Bush and went into effect on July 26, 1992. The ADA is a broad-ranging civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public services, and accommodations. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that makes it unlawful to discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability. It guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is an important civil rights law, but it does not protect everyone with a disability. In 1992, the ADA was expanded to include Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
Procedural Safeguards
The ADA doesn’t stipulate procedural safeguards associated with special education. But it does detail the legislative requirements, complaint procedures, and consequences for dissent related to both employment and services.
Section 504 demands notice to parents concerning the identification, evaluation, or/and placements. Inscribed notice or report is recommended. The report must be made only before a notable change in placement.
Final Words
Section 504 protects kids with disabilities from discrimination. The ADA expanded the businesses and agencies that must comply with the accessibility and nondiscrimination provisions of the law.
To know more about Section 504 and ADA, attend the Compliance Prime webinar.
