Individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination under the law
People with disabilities are prohibited from being unfairly discriminated against in areas like access to public services and accommodations, housing, education, and employment. Individual states may have additional laws, policies, protections, and definitions in place that complement federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act is the country’s most popular and comprehensive disability rights legislation. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in regards to employment opportunities, public goods and services, state and local government, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. To allow for these equal opportunities, the ADA also requires that reasonable accommodations be made for those protected under the law.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted or funded in part by the federal government, in federal employment, and in employment of federal contractors. The Rehabilitation Act replaced the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel by airlines that offer flights in the United States, and to and from the United States by foreign airlines. Under the ACAA, airlines can’t refuse transportation on the basis of disability, require advance notice of travel on the basis of disability (although they may require advance notice for certain accommodations), or limit the number of individuals with disabilities on a flight, in addition to other regulations to avoid discriminatory travel practices.
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against protected classes, including on the basis on disability, in any aspect of selling, renting, or living in housing. Owners of housing are required to make reasonable exceptions to policies that would prevent equal housing opportunities to people with disabilities (such as a “no pets” policy) and to allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to their private living space and common use space. The Fair Housing Act also requires that new multifamily housing of four or more units be built to be accessible.
Fair Housing Act
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that a free appropriate public education is available to eligible children and youth with disabilities. The IDEA governs early intervention, special education, and related services. Early intervention services apply to children through age 2 and their families. Special education and related services apply to children and youth ages 3 through 21.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
