Learn more about the ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law passed in 1990 that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in many areas of public life. This includes schools, workplaces, government services, transportation, and public spaces.

Under the ADA, individuals with disabilities have the right to:

• Equal access to services and opportunities

• Reasonable accommodations in school, work, and public programs

• Communication and information in accessible formats

• Protection from discrimination based on disability

The ADA also applies to parents with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to participate in child welfare proceedings, education meetings, and other systems that impact their families.

Rights of Parents with Disabilities

Parents with disabilities are often unfairly scrutinized in systems like child welfare and education—not because of any evidence of neglect or harm, but because of long-standing biases and misunderstanding. The truth is: disability does not equal inability.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws, parents with disabilities have the right to:

• Be treated with fairness and respect

• Receive reasonable accommodations to access services

• Participate fully in parenting, education, and child welfare decisions

• Communicate in ways that work for them

These rights apply in schools, courtrooms, service agencies, and beyond.

Guide to Disability Rights Laws

Disability rights go beyond one system—they’re built into every part of public life. The ADA Disability Rights Guide outlines how the law protects people with disabilities across areas like employment, education, healthcare, housing, and transportation.

This resource explains how the ADA applies in everyday situations and what to do if your rights are violated. It’s especially helpful if you're looking for a broader understanding of your rights outside of just education or parenting.

Special Education

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that ensures students with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. IDEA is what gives students access to special education services and what creates the foundation for IEPs.

This law outlines:

• How students are evaluated for special education

• What schools must provide through IEPs

• How families can be involved in decision-making

• Dispute resolution options if services aren’t being met

IDEA protects students' rights and ensures schools are accountable for meeting their needs.