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Your Legal Rights under Disability Law

By Alexandria “Lexi” Bibbs

Know Your Rights: Disability Laws Explained

This page breaks down the major laws that protect people with disabilities. Each section explains what the law means in plain language and how it applies in daily life. Understanding your rights helps you advocate for yourself and recognize when your rights may be violated.

Section 1: ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

What it is (plain language): a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in nearly all areas of public life.

What the ADA Covers
  • Employment (Title I)
  • State and local government services (Title II)
  • Public businesses/spaces like stores, hotels, restaurants (Title III)
  • Transportation
  • Telecommunications
  • Miscellaneous protections (anti-retaliation, etc.)

Your Rights Under the ADA
You have the right to:
  • Reasonable accommodations at work
  • Equal access to public spaces
  • Accessible communication tools (e.g., interpreters, captions)
  • Not be fired, demoted, or denied opportunities because of disability
  • Privacy regarding your disability status

What ADA Doesn’t Cover
  • Religious organizations (limited)
  • Federal agencies (covered by other laws)
  • Some small employers (<15 employees for employment rights)

Section 2: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Plain language: a law that forbids discrimination by any school, program, or organization receiving federal money.

Examples
  • All public schools and most universities
  • Public hospitals
  • Government agencies
  • Many nonprofits

504 Rights Include
  • Accommodations in school (504 Plans)
  • Physical access
  • Equal participation in programs
  • Auxiliary aids/services for communication

Important: Section 504 existed before the ADA and still creates many education-related protections.

Section 4: Other Important Laws

Fair Housing Act (FHA)
Protects against discrimination in renting, buying, or housing programs. Rights include:
  • Reasonable modifications
  • Reasonable policy accommodations
  • Equal treatment in housing applications

Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
Protects disabled travelers in air travel. Rights include:
  • Assistance boarding
  • Bringing mobility devices/service animals
  • No discrimination in seating or boarding

Family and Medical Leave Act
Allows unpaid leave for disability-related health needs.

Section 5: When Your Rights Are Violated — What You Can Do

This section briefly introduces the reporting and complaint processes (detailed in the Accommodations page).

Basic steps:

  1. Request accommodations in writing.
  2. Document everything.
  3. Escalate internally (school admin, HR, ADA coordinator).
  4. File an external complaint (EEOC, OCR, state agency).
  5. Seek legal help if needed.