Publications: Education

Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Publications

Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
Q&A on Disability Discrimination under Section 504 and Title II
Q&A on OCR's Complaint Process
Questions and Answers on the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 for Students with Disabilities Attending Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (2012)
Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities: Higher Education's Obligations Under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA This U.S. Department of Education pamphlet reviews the obligations of higher education institutions to serve students with disabilities. This pamphlet also includes answers to questions commonly asked by students and representatives of postsecondary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (2014)
This 30-page document, issued jointly by the Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Education, explains public schools' responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to meet the communication needs of students with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.
The Civil Rights of Students with Hidden Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (1995). This pamphlet answers questions about the civil rights of students with hidden disabilities and the responsibilities of ED recipients.
Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities This pamphlet contains information for high school students with disabilities who plan to continue their education in postsecondary schools.
Student Placement in Elementary and Secondary Schools and Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (1998). This publication explains Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act and how they affect student placement in elementary and secondary schools. It also explains evaluation and placement procedures, the educational setting, reevaluations, the individualized education program, procedural safeguards, and nonacademic services and activities.

Pacer Publications (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights)

ADA Q & A: Back to School
ADA Q & A: Section 504 & Postsecondary Education
ADA Q & A: Summer Fun - Explanation of requirements for providing access to summer recreational programs such as community centers, libraries, and science, history and art museums that offer summertime classes, day camps, recreation programs, art activities, or nature hikes. Designed to educate parents on how these kinds of programs should meet their child's needs.
Students with Disabilities and the Right to Due Process in School Discipline

Assistive Technology for Postsecondary Students with Learning Disabilities

Conversations with Faculty:Assessing Student Accommodation & Accommodation Denial in Higher Education (2019) This guide will give disability resource professionals an organized, straightforward tool to use when engaging, educating, and resolving issues with faculty regarding academic disability-related accommodations.

Disability Rights Laws Applicable to Student Housing
A table analyzing the the various disability laws that may be applicable to post-secondary student housing.

Disability Rights Laws for Public Primary and Secondary Education
(2018) This document explains the general obligations that public elementary and secondary schools have toward students with disabilities.

The Facts on Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities (NICHCY 2011) Answers 10 commonly asked questions that families and educators of students with disabilities have about charter schools.

Meeting the Needs of All Students - Section 504 manual developed by the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI), in cooperation with Region 10 of the Office for Civil Rights, to assist school districts in serving all of their students with disabilities in a way that assures a quality education which is in compliance with state and federal laws. This document includes a detailed explanation of Section 504, and its procedural requirements, sample procedural documents, highlights of the major differences between Section 504, the ADA, and the IDEA, a flow chart for implementation, sample accommodation plans, and suggestions for working with the Office for Civil Rights.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004: Overview, Explanation and Comparison of IDEA 2004 & IDEA 97 by Peter W. D. Wright, Esq. describes the substantive changes to the five key statutes of IDEA 2004 by section and subsection. Text added to IDEA 2004 is in italics. Text deleted from IDEA 97 has been struck through. (PDF format)

New Mexico Plan Will Use Technology to Leave No Child Behind - SEDL Letter, Vol. 16, No.1

Memorandum from OSEP: Questions and Answers on Obligations of Public Agencies in Serving Children with Disabilities Placed by Their Parents at Private Schools

Transition Age Special Education Students & SSI: What Parents Should Know (PDF Version) April 2000 Fact Sheet, Number 5

Meeting the Needs of Youth: Examples of Students with Disabilities Accessing SSI Work Incentives (PDF version) 1999 by The Study Group, Inc.

What is a Learning Disability? (DOJ) 1998.