Disability Laws
In general, federal laws provide specific protections to 鈥渁n individual who has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities鈥� (these include but are not limited to: seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, learning, working, and caring for oneself) 鈥渉as a record of having such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.鈥�
SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973:
鈥淣o otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States鈥hall, solely on the basis of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives federal financial assistance鈥︹��
THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 (ADA):
This legislation expands protection to include public entities, regardless of whether federal funding is received (such as health care, transportation, recreation, employment, as well as educational institutions). It also addresses the accessibility of buildings and communication requirements on behalf of persons having visual, hearing, or speech disabilities.
To read more about your legal rights, visit the Office of Civil Rights website: