The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits the exclusion of people from jobs, services, activities, or benefits based on disabilities. In addition, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Further, it specifically ensures that no qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.

The Gallaudet Section 504/ADA Student Grievance Procedure may be initiated by any students who believe they have been discriminated against, in violation of the Acts. Students should follow the procedures described below. In addition, the Procedure may be used to hear any student grievances concerning reasonable accommodation, including course waivers or substitutions due to a disability, or to appeal accommodation determinations by OSWD.

Please see "2.12 Section 504/ADA Student Grievance Procedure" of this handbook for detailed procedures.