Compliance: Americans with Disabilities Act & Rehabilitation Act of 1973/Section 504

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 were established in order to provide a clear comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 is the section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that specifically created civil rights to individuals with disabilities. Section 504 provides that no qualified individual with a disability should, only by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

West Virginia University placed the administrative responsibility for ADA/Rehabilitation Act compliance in the President’s Office for Social Justice. Examples of issues within the scope of this responsibility include program accessibility for all institutional constituents, removing existing architectural and physical barriers, ensuring that capital projects are in compliance, arranging for accessible transportation, providing ongoing education and training, and ensuring compliance in employment practices. Both ADA requirement and guiding principles for ADA/Rehabilitation Act compliance are available from this office. Consultation on disability-related issues is available and encouraged.

Definition:


What is the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?

For further information, contact:

Jennifer McIntosh
Executive Officer for Social Justice and
Director, Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Programs, and ADA/504 Compliance

Phone: (304) 293-5496 TDD: (304) 293-3057
Email: Jennifer.McIntosh@mail.wvu.edu