Section 504 and The Americans with Disabilities Act

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Over forty million Americans are disabled, whether it is a physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental disability. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was signed into law in 1973. This law states that no handicapped individual shall be disqualified from partaking, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program receiving federal financial assistance. The foundation of the Section 504 is from the language of preceding civil rights laws that sheltered women and minorities. Section recognizes that history proves that humanity has treated people with disabilities as second-class citizens based on previous stereotypes. These types of attitudes have translated into policies based on paternalism. Section has acknowledged the discrimination of many children and adults. Senator Hubert Humphrey, who supported the Section, has said, “The time has come to firmly establish the right of disabled Americans to dignity of self-respect as equal and contributing members of society and to end the virtual isolation of millions of children and adults.” (Smith, 2001) In all, Section 504 has significantly altered the common and legal perception of civilization. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is probably the most comprehensible formulation of disabled individuals’ rights. The ADA officially became a law July 26, 1990 signed by President Bush. To understand the impact of the ADA, one must understand that almost every individual or family is touched by an experience of disability at one time or another. The necessities for state and local government, transportation, employment, and telecommunications can latently benefit everyone. An important point to understand is unlike people who have experienced discrimination based... ... middle of paper ... ...bilities. It is intended that these two laws aid in the prevention of discrimination of humans with disabilities. Section 504 applies to any entity that receives federal funds and the ADA applies to every entity except for private clubs and churches; therefore, we will always be surrounded by these legislative decisions. In the world of education, it may be the key factor that directs a child onto the correct path for a decent life. Works Cited 1. Henderson, K. (1997). Overview of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504. Retrieved from http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/ada.idea.html 2. Smith, T.E.C (2001). Section 504, The ADA, and Public Schools. Retrieved from http://www.ldonline.org/article/6108 3. Peer Project. (1999). Section 504, The Americans with Disabilities Act, and Education Reform. Retrievfed from http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/section504.ada.peer.htm

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