Laws
The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is enforced by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) under the guidelines of the Department of Justice. This legislation protects the civil and constitutional rights of people with disabilities. It prohibits organizations which receive federal funds from discriminating against otherwise qualified individuals on the sole basis of a disability.
A disability is defined as impacting a major life activity such as learning, hearing, seeing, walking, etc. Students requesting accommodations need to provide documentation of their disability from a physician or licensed professional.