Federal education officials are fielding an increasing number of complaints related to disability discrimination in the nation’s schools. More than 3,900 complaints based on disability were filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights during the 2014 fiscal year, the most recent period for which statistics are available. By comparison, fewer than 3,000 complaints were filed in 2009. The uptick comes as the Education Department deals with an overall surge in complaints to its Office for Civil Rights, which is tasked with ensuring equal access and prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age in education programs. Disability issues account for the majority of civil rights complaints filed with USDOE. Beyond responding to individual charges, USDOE indicated in its budget request that plans are underway to “issue further guidance protecting students with disabilities from discrimination, including unfair discipline practices and restraint and seclusion.”
.
- The Right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education
- What to Do if You Suspect Your Child has a Disability Impacting Their Education
- Initial Special Education Evaluations and Eligibility
- The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Special Education Placement
- Q&A: What are Extended School Year (ESY) Services?
- Q&A: Dispute Resolution