IDEA vs ADA

     There are some significant differences between the IDEA and ADA in regards to accommodations for their students. IDEA covers students from P-12. ADA covers students in college. However, there are significant differences when it comes to certain questions and how the institutions handle students with disabilities. The chart below shows the discrepancies between the two:

	IDEA (K-12)	ADA (College)
Rights guaranteed by the law	Free appropriate public education (FAPE)	Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability
Who is covered	Every child; concept of zero reject	Students who are “otherwise qualified”
Identification and evaluation of students with disabilities	District responsible for identifying students with disabilities, evaluating them, and covering the costs	College has no such responsibility. Students must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation. If an evaluation is needed, the expense is the student’s responsibility
Determining services	Individualized education plan (IEP) developed by team. Curriculum modifications and special programs are common	Reasonable accommodations, including auxiliary aids and services, must be requested by student. Academic adjustments that equalize opportunity for participation are required; substantial modifications to curriculum and lowering standards are not required
Personal devices and services such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and personal care attendants	Provided by district if determined to be necessary (and included in IEP)	Colleges are not required to provide these
Role of parents	Parents must be included in decision making	College students are older than 18 and are considered adults. No parent consultation is required.
Appeals process	Right to due process as spelled out in the law	College grievance procedures and then a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights must be filed.