504 Plan
A civil rights protection in the Rehabilitation Act. It prohibits disability discrimination in programs that receive federal financial assistance. In school that can mean extended test time or preferential seating.
Rights in school
The bills and plans that actually protect students.
BridgED teaches these four because they are the ones students, families, and teachers run into: 504 plans, the ADA, IEPs, and IDEA.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA is about equal opportunity in schools and in public and private spaces. Ramps, Braille, and equal access to extracurriculars are not extras. They are the floor.
Individualized Education Program
An IEP is a legal document for eligible students. It can include instruction from special education teachers and accommodations such as breaks or extended test time.
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees children with disabilities a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, with funding and related services attached.