Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504
What is the ADA? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that was enacted in 1990. Its purpose is to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications.
What is Section 504? Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, such as colleges. It requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education.
What’s the relationship between Section 504 and ADA? Both laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Section 504 (1973) applies to entities that receive federal funds such as colleges and the ADA (1990) applies to virtually every entity except churches and private clubs. Schools that receive federal funds must comply with both Section 504 and the ADA.
Who is Covered by Section 504? Under Section 504, a person with a disability is defined as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and caring for oneself. This definition is broad and includes a wide range of disabilities, both visible and invisible.
What Are Reasonable Accommodations? Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the learning environment that enable students with disabilities to participate fully in school activities. These accommodations are individualized based on the unique needs of each student and may include things like:
- Providing extended time on tests or assignments
- Ensuring physical accessibility to school buildings and facilities
- Offering assistive technology devices or services
- Providing access to auxiliary aids, such as sign language interpreters or note-takers
How Does Section 504 Benefit Students? Section 504 ensures that students with disabilities have the same opportunities for learning and success as their peers. By removing barriers to education and providing necessary supports, schools can help students with disabilities thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
SUNY Canton’s 504 officer is:
Megan Riedl
315-386-7392
ADA@canton.edu