Public Law Library
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Deaf Rights in Mental Health Facilities
- Facilities which receive any federal money, either directly or through a state agency, must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. sec 794. Section 504 requires that federal financial recipients' programs be equally accessible to handicapped persons. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations to Section 504 require provision of necessary auxiliary aids, such as sign language interpreters, to ensure equal access to these programs.
Other Topics:
Mental Health Issues 
Facility Based Services 
Americans with Disabilities Act 
Contributor: WVDDC
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Deaf Rights in inpatient health care facilities
- Inpatient health care facilities have important responsibilities under federal law to be accessible to deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Failing to provide interpreters and adapted equipment may be discrimination on the basis of disability. In addition, failure to establish effective communication with a deaf
patient may expose a health care provider to liability for medical malpractice.
Other Topics:
Mental Health Issues 
Facility Based Services 
Health Care 
Americans with Disabilities Act 
Contributor: WVDDC
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Discrimination in access to services
- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, with its amendments, is a major federal civil rights law against discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities. Section 504 of the Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, and in access to a variety of services. This handout applies only to discrimination in access to services
Other Topics:
Community Services 
Contributor: WVDDC
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FAQ about the 504 of the Rehab Act
- Frequently asked questions about 504 of the Rehab Act - definition of disability
Contributor: WVDDC
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Fair housing and reasonable accommodations in terms of “no pets” policies
- Under the 1988 amendments to the Fair Housing Act, landlords, condominium associations, and other housing providers are prohibited “from
discriminating against applicants or residents because of their disability or the disability of anyone associated with them and from treating persons with disabilities less favorably than others because of their disability.” The Act
prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by preventing housing providers from refusing “to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.” Significantly, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations in terms of “no pets” policies to let disabled individuals have service animals.
Other Topics:
Fair Housing 
Community Services 
Contributor: WVDDC
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Police and Law Enforcement Responsibilities to Deaf
- State and local law enforcement agencies have a federal mandate to ensure
adequate and appropriate communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.
Without effective communication in dealing with law enforcement personnel,
serious violations of constitutional and civil rights can occur. Whether a sign
language interpreter or other auxiliary aid is required depends on the type of communication and the needs of the deaf or hard of hearing individual. But even if an interpreter is not required, police officers should take other steps to ensure effective communication, such as writing information and making other
accommodations in their usual practices. This mandate is found in two federal laws protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Other Topics:
Access 
Community Services 
Contributor: WVDDC
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Post Secondary Education
- Discrimination in post-secondary education (i.e., colleges, universities, and trade schools) is prohibited by federal laws: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This handout provides general information about Section 504 and the ADA but is not intended to and does not replace an attorney's advice or assistance. Do not take any action based only upon this handout; always consult with an attorney first.
Other Topics:
Education 
Contributor: WVDDC
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Public School Obligations to Deaf Individuals
- This memorandum addresses the obligations of a public school system under
Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Deaf students, parents and
personnel are entitled to a physically accessible facility and to services including
qualified sign language interpreters when they need accommodations to have
meaningful access to school activities. The ADA and Section 504 apply to all
programs and activities offered by a school system, including school board
meetings, extracurricular programs, teacher conferences, recreational activities,
social and cultural activities, adult education, summer school or hobby classes.
Other Topics:
Education 
Americans with Disabilities Act 
Contributor: WVDDC
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Section 502 of the Rehab Act - Architectural and Transportat
- Section 502 is part of the federal Rehabilitation Act passed in 1973. Congress intended to protect the civil rights of persons with disabilities by removing architectural, transportation and communication barriers. Under Section 502, people with disabilities can participate in the same services and programs as other people.
Other Topics:
Assistive Technology 
Community Services 
Contributor: WVDDC
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Section 504 and Housing
- a HUD funded public housing authority, or a HUD funded non-profit developer of low income housing is a recipient of federal financial assistance and is subject to Section 504's requirements. However, a private landlord who accepts Section 8 tenant-based vouchers in payment for rent from a low income individual is not a recipient of federal financial assistance. Similarly, a family that receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or HOME funds for the rehabilitation of an owner-occupied unit is also not a recipient because it is the ultimate beneficiary of the funds.
Other Topics:
Fair Housing 
Contributor: WVDDC
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