Date/Time: November 1, 2025 | 10:45 – 11:45 am

Room: 155-156

Audience: Architects, Engineers, Educators, Facility Personnel, Contractors / Suppliers / Manufacturers, Consultants

Call to Action:

• Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Within the first month after the session, perform a thorough accessibility audit of your educational facilities to identify any barriers that need to be addressed.
• Form an Accessibility Task Force: Establish a dedicated team responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of ADA Transition Plans. This team should include diverse stakeholders such as educators, administrators, students, and design professionals.
• Develop a Public Awareness Campaign: Create and launch a campaign to inform the community about the importance of accessibility and the steps being taken to ensure compliance with ADA requirements. This can include workshops, informational sessions, and regular updates on progress.

Abstract: This session is designed to provide educators, administrators, and design professionals with a comprehensive understanding of key legal policies that protect students with disabilities. The session will cover the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Participants will learn about the historical context, key provisions, and practical applications of these laws. The course will also explore how these policies intersect to ensure equitable access to education, support services, and accommodations for students with disabilities. Additionally, the session will highlight the importance of Transition Plans, which are required by the ADA. ADA Transition Plans are essential for identifying and removing physical barriers to accessibility in public education facilities. These plans should be periodically updated until all accessibility barriers are eliminated. Participants will gain expertise on developing and implementing these plans effectively, including steps such as Designating an ADA Coordinator, Providing Public Notice, Establishing a Grievance Procedure, Conducting a Self-Evaluation, Assessing current facilities, policies, and practices for ADA compliance, and Developing the Transition Plan.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand Key Legal Frameworks: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including their historical context, key provisions, and practical applications.
2. Develop and Implement ADA Transition Plans: Learn the essential steps for creating and executing ADA Transition Plans, including designating an ADA Coordinator, providing public notice, establishing a grievance procedure, conducting a self-evaluation, and developing a detailed plan to remove accessibility barriers.
3. Ensure Equitable Access to Education: Explore how the Rehabilitation Act, ADA, and IDEA intersect to ensure equitable access to education, support services, and accommodations for students with disabilities, and how to apply these principles in their own institutions.
4. Apply Best Practices for Compliance and Advocacy: Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will identify and implement best practices for compliance with legal requirements and advocacy for students with disabilities, empowering them to create inclusive and legally compliant educational environments.