Students with disabilities are protected under which two federal laws?

Students with disabilities are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. IDEA specifically ensures that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. This law defines the rights of students with disabilities in terms of the special education services they are entitled to receive in public schools.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs or activities that receive federal funding. This includes schools, ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and are not excluded or treated unfairly.

The combination of these two laws provides a comprehensive framework for protecting the rights of students with disabilities, ensuring they receive both the educational support they need and protection from discrimination in educational settings.