The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act helps the estimated 5.4 million children and adults in the United States and territories who have developmental disabilities. It provides federal financial assistance to state, public and nonprofit agencies.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal legislation that entitles children with disabilities to a free public education. The law has been amended three times since 1975, when it was first enacted as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.
Everyone should have the chance to live their lives to their fullest, including individuals with disabilities. Yet some face accessibility challenges in their jobs, schools and within their communities. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities have rights under a number of federal acts.
