A. What Laws and Policies Protect Individuals with Disabilities?

A number of federal laws protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in public and private settings. Some of these laws include:

•   The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 42 U.S. Code § 12101 et seq., which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications;

•   The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination by any entity that receives federal funds;

•   The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 20 U.S.C. § 1400, et. seq., which requires states to provide students with disabilities special education and related services;

•   The Fair Housing Act 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq. which addresses discrimination in housing;

See Guide to Disability Rights Laws for a summary of federal laws.[118]