ADVOCACY TOOL KIT
Do You Know Your Rights?

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act? (1990)
Establishes a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination
on the basis of disability.

What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973? (1973)
Authorizes the formula grant programs of vocational rehabilitation,
supported employment, independent living, and client assistance.
It also authorizes a variety of training and service discretionary
grants administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)? (1997)
Ensures that all children with disabilities have available t them a free
appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and
related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare
them for employment and independent living.

What is the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Assistance and Bill of Rights Act? (2000)
Asures that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally
competent programs.

What is the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)? (1968, 1976)
Buildings or facilities constructed for public use will be required to be made physically accessible to the public.

What is the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA)? (1986)
No air carrier may discriminate against any otherwise qualified individual with a disability, by reason of such disability, in the provision of air transportation.

What is the Fair Housing Act (FHA)? (1968)
Prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and persons with disabilities.

What is the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA)? 1997
No person residing in or confined to an institution operated by the state will be deprived of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

What is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program?
On August 22, 1996, Congress enacted the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. This legislation created a new welfare block program, known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. The TANF program goes before Congress for reauthorization this year.

TANF provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting states the federal funds and wide flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs.