The four papers in this series were commissioned for the first meeting of the National Commission on Adult Literacy, which met in Nashville on November 14, 2006. The first paper, "Adult Education and Literacy Legislation and Its Effects on the Field," provides the basic provisions of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA,…

This paper explores the need to adopt legislative and regulatory safeguards to guarantee equal access by people with disabilities to evolving high speed broadband, wireless and Internet-based technologies. Recommendations include: (1) Communications Access--FCC or Congress: Extend the telecommunications accessibility requirements of Section 255 of…

This book focuses on three major legal issues involving individuals who have an attention deficit disorder or a specific learning disability: (1) documentation requirements to obtain benefits of federal and state laws; (2) ways that professionals can meet these requirements; and (3) confidentiality of the documenting information. The first two…

This pamphlet offers college and university administrators and attorneys a road map of the legal issues surrounding the dismissal of students with mental disabilities (including psychiatric disorders and learning disabilities) as well as practical guidance on how best to uphold the school's disciplinary and academic standards while keeping within…

While Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apparently protects individuals with emotional or behavioral disabilities when applying for admission to teacher education programs, closer inspection reveals that other legal and moral issues must be considered in protecting the public interest, especially the education of children and youth…

The "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," as amended (the act), provides the legislative basis for programs and activities that assist individuals with disabilities in the pursuit of gainful employment, independence, self-sufficiency and full integration into community life. This report is intended to provide a description of accomplishments and…

Educators are generally aware that federal law protects persons with disabilities from unjustified discrimination, but they may not be familiar with the details of how these protections come into play when decisions are made about an individual's educational or employment opportunities. This article focuses on the protections that two federal…

Considers sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, focusing on (1) who is covered, (2) the line between nondiscrimination and affirmative action, and (3) elements of an affirmative action program for handicapped persons. (GC)

This book brings together materials, cases, and opinions regarding the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; analyzes these materials; and examines their impact on employer personnel policies. Also considered are the amendments to the 1967…

Differences between the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) (ADA) with respect to "reasonable accommodations" in academic settings are examined. Development of the meaning of reasonable accommodation in case law is chronicled, and ways in which the ADA may expand the meaning are explored. College and…

As a result of legal protections and the effects of inclusive reforms (e.g., improved academic skills, heightened expectations), more students with disabilities are entering higher education than ever before. The priorities and understanding of university faculty members directly shape the educational experiences and success of the rapidly growing…

This booklet summarizes provisions and regulations of recent federal legislation and case law examples mandating equal access for children and youth with disabilities in schools. The first chapter addresses the importance of complying with both the letter and spirit of the equal access principles underlying these laws. The second chapter…

Natural environments is a term used in the regulations for Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It states that early intervention services must be provided in natural environments, including home and community settings in which children without disabilities participate. Questions addressed in this paper include: (1)…

Numerous interpretation problems currently exist in the statutory and regulatory definition of "handicapped individual." The three-part definition as set forth in section 504 of the 1974 amendments is analyzed, and potential sources of controversy are identified in each section. Possible applications of such a broad definition are…

Summarized is Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which required any company with a U.S. government contract over $2,500 to take affirmative action toward hiring the handicapped. (LS)