• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) This federal law provides for Special
Education through an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for eligible children birth to age 22. This
law is implemented by Local Education Agencies (LEAs), better known as school districts.
• The Lanterman Act created Regional Centers in California. They provide services to people
of all ages with developmental disabilities through an Individual Program Plan (IPP). These
services include Early Start for infants and toddlers. Regional Centers are governed through
the Department of Developmental Services.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is an anti-discrimination law. Any agency that
receives federal funds must provide equal access. Under this law schools are required to
accommodate a student with a qualifying disability through a 504 Accommodation Plan.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is an anti-discrimination law that applies to both
publicly funded and privately funded settings: employment, transportation, public services
and accommodations accessed by the public but operated privately.