The ADA was initially enacted in 1990 as a comprehensive civil rights law to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. The intent was and continues to be today in the revision (ADAAA) to apply to all facets of public life. This includes institutes of higher education under Title II. This legislation provides a range of definitions, and guides much of the work of SAS.
Learn More about the ADA Regulations and Standards
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was enacted in 1973. It was one of the first civil rights legislation that specifically applied to people with disabilities. It covers any program receiving federal funds, and, therefore, is applicable within higher education. In terms of impact related to provision of accommodations for students with disabilities in higher education, Section 504 and the ADA have similar requirements.
The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968 as part of an expansion of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and was subsequently amended in 1988. This act specifically, “protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. Additional protections apply to federally-assisted housing.”[1] Disability discrimination is one of the key areas addressed within the act.
