Language Translation
Governor Mike Braun
  Close Menu

Disability Rights and Accommodations

Disability Rights and Accommodations in Schools

Students with disabilities have the right to access education without discrimination. Schools must provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities.

Under federal and Indiana civil rights laws, schools may be required to provide reasonable accommodations or support services that allow students with disabilities to access and benefit from their education.

These protections help ensure that students with disabilities can learn, participate, and succeed in the school environment.

What Is Disability Discrimination in Education?

Disability discrimination in education occurs when a student is treated unfairly because of a disability or when a school fails to provide appropriate support that allows the student to access educational programs.

Schools must provide students with disabilities equal access to:

  • Classroom instruction
  • School programs and activities
  • Extracurricular activities
  • School facilities and services

Students with disabilities should have the same opportunities to participate in school life as other students.

Accommodations and Support for Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities may need accommodations or adjustments to help them access education.

Accommodations may involve changes to policies, classroom practices, or communication methods.

Examples of accommodations may include:

  • Additional time to complete assignments or tests
  • Accessible classroom materials
  • Communication supports such as interpreters or captioning
  • Adjustments to classroom seating or learning environments
  • Assistive technology or devices

Each accommodation should be tailored to the student’s individual needs.

Plans That May Support Students with Disabilities:

Schools may develop plans to help ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate support.

One example is a Section 504 Plan, which outlines accommodations that allow a student with a disability to access educational programs.

These plans may include adjustments to classroom practices, testing environments, or other school activities.

Parents, guardians, and school staff may work together to determine appropriate supports for a student.

Examples of Disability Discrimination in Schools:

Disability discrimination in education can take many forms. Examples may include:

  • Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for a student with a disability
  • Denying a student with a disability the opportunity to participate in school programs or activities
  • Failing to provide accessible facilities or materials
  • Excluding a student from extracurricular activities because of a disability
  • Treating a student differently because of a disability

Schools must ensure that policies and practices do not unfairly exclude students with disabilities.

Working With Schools to Address Concerns:

Parents and guardians often work with teachers, school administrators, or support staff to address concerns related to disability accommodations.

Open communication between families and schools can help identify solutions that support the student’s educational needs.

Schools may review accommodation plans and make adjustments when a student’s needs change.

If You Believe a Student’s Education Rights Were Violated

If you believe a student was treated unfairly because of a disability or denied appropriate accommodations, you may be able to file a discrimination complaint.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints involving discrimination in education, employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations.

To learn more about filing a complaint, visit the How to File a Discrimination Complaint page.