Tape This to the Fridge—ASAP
[SARN Memo for August 27, 2009]
When you know your rights, you have power. Your legislator will take you more seriously. Your co-workers will listen to you.
Self-advocates have rights based on laws. It’s important to know these laws and what they mean to your everyday life. Here are four basic laws to know: Section 504, ADA, IDEA, and CRPD.
Everyone should have an idea of what each of these laws is about. Below is a short summary for each one.
Respond to this memo!1. About the Four Laws
Here are very short descriptions for each law:
- Section 504: This US law (1973) says that you cannot discriminate based on disability. It applies only to programs that get federal money.
- ADA: This more recent US law (1990) also says that you cannot discriminate based on disability. It applies to jobs, public services, and accommodations.
- IDEA: This US law (1983) sends money to schools that serve students with disabilities.
- CRPD: This United Nations law (2006) gives equal rights to people with disabilities.
2. FYI: The Official Names of the Laws
- Section 504: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
- IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- CRPD: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
3. Group Idea
The first three laws are US laws. Divide into three groups. Give each group one of the three US laws. Invite each group to work separately in reading each law and then talking about one or more places in their lives or community where they see this law’s effects. Then let each group report back to the others. Examples: “IDEA: We had special education classes in my school.” “ADA: Betty’s Café has an automatic door and ramp.”
4. Resources
Know Your Rights
In this workshop, participants will become familiar with the three main disability rights laws in the US and notice how these laws affect our society.
We Have Human Rights
With this handbook, your group can learn about their basic human rights and ways to teach others about them.
Today’s Trivia Question:
Another member of the Kennedy family died this month. This was a person who worked for better rights, access, and health care for persons with disabilities. Who was it?
- Mary Kay Kennedy
- Adam Kennedy
- Mae Kennedy West
- Ted Kennedy
(The answer will be published in the next Memo.)
Answer to August 19th Trivia Question: b. Special Olympics
Question was: This week, Eunice Kennedy Shriver died. She was best known for her work with:
- Arc
- Special Olympics
- the ADA
- Inclusion International
Do you have a trivia item you’d like to submit?
Create a trivia question and we will review your question for possible use.
Your trivia question:
The correct answer:
Would you like your name to appear as the author of the trivia question? If yes, give us your name and where you are from.