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For information on Bridges to Practice training in your area, please contact:
Dr. Rochelle Kenyon, Project Director
rkenyon@aol.com

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) 1997
(PL 105-17)
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/Policy/IDEA/

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is an education law that applies to young people with disabilities from birth to 21 years of age (defined as up to the 22nd birthday for those who require special education and related services). The sections pertaining to school age students also apply to young adults under the age of 22 who have not obtained a regular high school diploma. All education programs that receive federal funds, which include all public schools, must adhere to the provisions of this law.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(PL 93-112) Section 504 and Amendments
http://ericec.org/sect504.html

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that "No individuals with disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance or any program or activity conducted by an executive agency." A "program or activity" is defined as including all of the operations of a local educational agency, system of vocational educational education, or school system. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applies to entities that receive federal funds. Its purpose is "to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society."

Assistive Technology Act of 1998
http://www.section508.gov/docs/AT1998.html

As technology is very important in every facet of today's world, this law supports states in addressing the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities. The use of assistive technology is seen as a way to assist individuals in living independently; enjoying the right to make choices, benefiting from education, pursuing meaningful careers and enjoying "full inclusion and integration into the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of society."