The ADA and Section 504


Faculty should know about two major pieces of legislation that affect implementation of accommodations:
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act ("Section 504").​
Similarities between the ADA and Section 504:
  • Both are civil rights laws.
  • They prohibit discrimination.
  • Both require "reasonable" accommodations that do not fundamentally alter a course, program, or activity.
  • The ADA applies to all public facilities, including colleges and universities.
  • They define disability broadly to include disabilities that may fluctuate, be temporary, or in remission.  
  • Both apply to nondisabled people experiencing disability discrimination because people perceive them as disabled.​
Differences between the ADA and Section 504: 
  • Some non-profit colleges and universities run by churches are not covered under the ADA, but they would still need to follow Section 504 if they receive any federal funds (including financial aid).
  • The ADA specifies different aspects of accessibility, including buildings, transportation, communication access, and employment.  
​Remember!  The ADA says people must be qualified for a job (or postsecondary program) and meet the same standards as nondisabled people.  But decisions about their qualifications should consider what people can do with accommodations.  

This can cause discrimination in higher education if colleges assume a student is not qualified simply because of their disability.  Often this is a case of low expectations, negative assumptions, or not knowing what's possible.  This is why many students try to hide their disability from others - they worry about what people will think of them. 

​If there are any questions about this, admissions offices, department chairs, or other staff and faculty should consult with the disability services office.  
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If you are interested in learning more about the history of disability laws,
the video below shows a TedTalk by Rebecca Cokley, describing life before and after ​Section 504 and the ADA.