The rights of individuals with disabilities in the educational context are governed by three federal laws and numerous state laws. The federal laws are known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The IDEA governs the provision of special education and related services to students up to the age of 21. Section 504 and the ADA are antidiscrimination laws that protect the rights of employees and parents with disabilities as well as students.

Individuals with disabilities have considerable rights in an educational setting. Students, employees, and parents are all protected from discrimination in regard to employment and services by Section 504 and the ADA. The IDEA, however, provides students with ...