Section 504

Education The Relationship Between IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

A federal appeals court ruled today that remedies available under the main federal special education law do not limit parents from also pursuing claims under a broader federal law barring discrimination against people with disabilities.

Law & Courts Tug of War Over States' Powers Has Lawyers Watching Closely

Citing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, thousands of parents sue their school districts and states every year.

Education Books: Of General Interest

Due Process in Special Education, by James A. Shrybman (Aspen Systems Corporation, 1600 Research Blvd., Rockville, Md. 20850; 527 pages, $37.00).

A provision-by-provision explanation of current federal laws and regulations governing schools and handicapped children. Primarily concerned with the requirements of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the author, a lawyer, discusses how federal rules affect identifying, evaluating, placing, and developing programs for handicapped students. Descriptions of the rights of parents and students and the roles and responsibilities of school officials, hearing officers, evaluators, and others involved in educating handicapped students are also provided. Includes a brief history of both laws, and examines such related issues as private schooling, discipline, and confidentiality of information. (The Education Department and the Justice Department are currently revising both laws' regulations.)