Disability Law

The disability rights movement has, over the past half-century, brought about landmark legislation at local, state and federal levels. Unfortunately, a genuine opportunity to achieve fully self-actualizing, productive and dignified lives remains beyond the reach of many people with disabilities. This course will examine federal laws and judicial interpretations thereof in order to understand their theoretical and policy justifications, their impact and their limitations. Contexts examined will likely include lower and higher education, employment, government services, and public accommodations. The statutes that we will study will likely include the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.