The goal of these disability civil rights laws is to provide equal opportunity and fundamental fairness for students with disabilities, including access to special education and related aids and services at public elementary and secondary schools; academic adjustments at colleges and universities; accessible technology; accessible programs, services and facilities; and the right to equal treatment and benefits.A hallmark of these laws is that, in order to ensure that equal opportunity is provided to students with disabilities and to avoid discriminating on the basis of disability, the laws require schools, colleges and universities to sometimes treat students with disabilities differently from students without disabilities. Another hallmark is the imperative to address the particular needs of each student with a disability. Thus, these laws recognize that not only are there many different disabilities, but students with the same disability may not have the same needs.As we observe the 39th anniversary of Section 504 on September 26, 2012, we celebrate our nation's progress in the area of disability rights in education. We also recognize that equal opportunity for people with disabilities has not yet been achieved. Section 504 and Title II, along with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), administered by the Department's Office of Special Education Programs, demonstrate our nation's commitment to providing quality education to all students with disabilities. To honor that commitment, OCR will continue to vigorously enforce Section 504 and Title II to ensure that students with disabilities receive the education that all students deserve.
