Does the ADA apply to grades K through 12?

Yes. Public schools are covered by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Private schools are generally covered under Title III of the ADA except for those schools which are religious in nature. Schools must ensure equal opportunity and access to students with disabilities.

This is achieved in numerous ways. For example, programs such as classes or extracurricular activities must be provided in an integrated setting, unless a separate or different program is necessary to ensure an equal opportunity for a student with a disability. Schools must make reasonable modifications to policies and practices to avoid discrimination. They must offer auxiliary aids and services, such as providing braille textbooks or a sign language interpreter, to ensure effective communication for students with disabilities. Sometimes, physical changes to a school’s facilities may be necessary to provide access to its programs and services.