When you or a loved one is diagnosed with a disability, advocacy becomes a very important part of daily management.  Whether in school or at work, being able to gain equal access can become challenging.  In order to be able to advocate for yourself or a loved one, it is important to know your/their rights.

DISABILITY LAW
Individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal access in public schools, public buildings and any entity that receives federal financial assistance.  Below are a list of links to related government websites and documentation.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Homepage 
http://www.ada.gov/

Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2008 ("ADAAA", language that changed the definition of a disability to include the major life activity of eating etc.)
http://access-board.gov/about/laws/ADA-amendments.htm

Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Highlights (addresses access and prohibits discrimination in public entities)
http://www.ada.gov/t2hlt95.htm

Family Medical Leave Act ("FMLA", federal law that requires most private employers with over 50 employees and most government employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year because of the employee's, or an immediate family member's, serious health condition. This leave can be used by a parent/guardian to provide care for a student with serious health conditions.)
http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/

Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights ("OCR", addresses access and prohibits discrimination in programs that receive federal financial assistance)
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/placpub.html

Department of Education, Section 504 Frequently Asked Questions
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html

Department of Education, Free and Appropriate Public Education ("FAPE", addresses Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and accessing education in the least restrictive environment)
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/edlite-FAPE504.html

Free US Department of Education Publications
http://www.edpubs.gov/

United States Department of Agriculture, Physicians Statement for Students with Special Dietary Needs (full document addressing accommodating students with special diets) 
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/guidance/special_dietary_needs.pdf


ADVOCACY AND DISABILITY RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
http://www.copaa.org/

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
http://www.dredf.org

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
http://nichcy.org

Listed below are Education Rights Advocates and Consultants.

ADVOCACY BY PEGASUS, LLC
Located in Virginia.
Eleanor Voldish
eleanor@advocacybypegasus.com
Cell (703) 282-0245
Home (703) 444-5044

Cathy Thorton, M. Ed
cathy@advocacybypegasus.com
Cell (703) 786-4126
Home (703) 777-4773


EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY, LLC
Rhonda Riggott Stevens
www.foodallergyadvocate.com
Located in Durham, Connecticut, Ms. Stevens offers local and long distance phone consultations.