LAW ANALYSIS PART I
“Laws in Special Education”
Directions:Complete the grid with information on three major laws: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
IDEA (2004)
Section 504 (1973)
ADA (1990)
Purpose
A section of civil rights law to include assistance for individuals who need help but may not meet criteria for special education
Ages covered
Primarily adults and children benefit from ADA in their access to schools and other businesses
Disabilities covered
Intellectual disabilities; hearing impairments; visual impairments; deaf-blindness; speech/language impairments; orthopedic impairments; autism; traumatic brain injury; specific learning disabilities; other health impairments; multiple disabilities; emotional disturbance; developmental delay
Evaluation procedures
Evaluation by trained professionals, incorporating information from teacher and family.
No requirement for use of discrepancy model
Use RTI information contributes
Regularly monitored with measurable goals
Dispute resolution
Not addressed
The school may develop a 504 Plan, but the plan does not have to be written. Section 504 does not require a meeting before a change in placement.