The Laws

There are specific federal and state laws that are designed to protect children with special needs under age 18. There are also laws designed to ensure the rights of youth and adults with disabilities. The ITOP Project defines youth as ages 14-24. The transition aged youth populations fall under both areas of protection under the law. This page will help you to identify and better understand the appropriate law(s) that protect children, youth and young adults with disabilities.

Links to key laws:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• Summary of IDEA from Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE) project website

The Lanterman Act

• High Risk Infant Interagency Council Landerman Act details
• Protection & Advocacy, Inc. (PAI) description of Landerman Act

1973 Rehabilitation Act

• US Dept of Health and Human services details of Rehab Act
• ERIC's Clearinghouse on Disabilities description of 1973 Rehab Act

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Federal goverment ADA specific website

Work Force Inclusion Act (AB 925)

• National Collaborative on Workplace Development/Youth brief
• World Institute on Disability write-up on AB 925

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

• California State goverment website details FEHA

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA)

• Federal Social Security Administration facts about Ticket to Work (PDF)