What are some similarities and differences between the Americans with disabilities act and Section 504 Act?

Question

pros and cons too

Answer 1

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA, 2000) is the US federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.  It focuses primarily on the public sector, dealing with places like restaurants and phone booths.  It prohibits discrimination in access, employment and housing.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) prohibits discrimination in public education, among other things.  It provides that reasonable accommodations be made for students that can not access the curriculum otherwise, but does not provide the extensive details typically found in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004) provides for reasonable accommodations and modifications for students with any of 14 defined disabilities that are severe enough and of such a manifestation as to otherwise significantly interfere with their educations.  The IEP with its associated rules and  rights are connected to this federal law.