Transition Health Care Videoconference - 2-5-08 – Handout # 8 STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS THAT PROVIDE EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY Federal Laws and Regulations The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)[20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq.] (formerly called P.L. 94-142 or the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975) requires public schools to make available to all eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs. IDEA requires public school systems to develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) for each child. The specific special education and related services outlined in each IEP reflect the individualized needs of each student. o Implementing regulations: 34 CFR Part 300 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213 (1992)] The unique feature of the ADA is that it is not limited, as § 504 is, to agencies receiving federal financial assistance. The ADA encompasses both public schools, under Title II, and private schools, under Title III. o Title II – “No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.” o Title III – “No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place or public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (of leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.” o Implementing regulations: 28 CFR Part 35 (Title II, Department of Justice); 49 CFR Parts 27, 37, 38 (Title II, III, Department of Transportation); 28 CFR Part 36 (Title III, Department of Justice); 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. § 794 (a) (1992)] No otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the U.S….shall, solely be reason of her or his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance…” o Implementing regulations: 34 CFR Part 104 (Department of Education) Revised January 4, 2008 Transition Health Care Videoconference - 2-5-08 – Handout # 8 State Regulations 22 Pa. Code Chapter 15 (1992) This chapter addresses a school district’s responsibility to comply with the requirements of Section 504 and its implementing regulations at 34 CFR Part 104 (relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance) and implements the statutory and regulatory requirements of Section 504. Requires school districts to provide students with disabilities with the aids, services, and accommodations that are designed to meet the education needs of these protected students. These aids, services, and accommodations may include, but are not limited to, special transportation, modified equipment, adjustments in the student’s roster, or the administration of needed medication. 22 Pa. Code Chapter 14 This chapter addresses implementation of special education requirements contained in State law, and incorporates requirements under the IDEA. Schools refer to this Chapter when determining all necessary elements for an Individual Education Plan (IEP). School Compliance A school district’s responsibility to its students with diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy include related aids and services that are designed to satisfy the individual educational needs of these students in order to provide them an equal education opportunity. Moreover, the district must provide extracurricular and nonacademic services and activities as necessary to afford these students equal opportunities for participation. What Are Related Aids and Services o School nurse and teachers meeting with parents and reviewing the student’s current medical records and needs o Administration and monitoring of medication within the classroom o Field trip and equal extracurricular activity participation (without burdening the parent) o GOAL IS TO KEEP THE CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM WITH HIS PEERS Revised January 4, 2008