Which law provides protections against discrimination for individuals with disabilities?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides comprehensive protections against discrimination for individuals with disabilities in various areas, such as employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. This federal law ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, prohibiting discrimination in both public and private sectors.

The ADA focuses on preventing discrimination and promoting accessibility, mandating that reasonable accommodations be made for individuals with disabilities so they can participate fully in society. This extends beyond education to include all aspects of life, making it a critical piece of legislation in the fight for equality and inclusivity for individuals facing disabilities.

In contrast, while the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is significant for ensuring that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs, it is not primarily focused on broader anti-discrimination protections outside the educational context, which is where the ADA excels. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) deals with the privacy of student education records and also does not provide general protections against discrimination based on disability.