School & education rights
Children, youth, and adults with disabilities all have special rights in school, college, and trade school. These rights can vary depending on age and the type of disability a person has. Everyone should be able to learn and get ready for a job if they want to.
Student rights at all grade levels
Multiple laws give students with disabilities legal rights at all grade levels, from before kindergarten to graduate school. But the rights and protections they have change at different levels of learning depending on which laws apply.
Resources for all students
Pick the area below to learn more about the legal rights of students with disabilities at each stage of school.
Special education
All students with disabilities–no matter their academic, medical, physical, or behavioral needs–have the right to a free appropriate public education from kindergarten to high school.
Life after high school
At age 14 ½, schools must start giving special classes and services to students with disabilities to help get them ready for life after high school, even if they do not plan on going to college.
Transition From School to Independent Living, Further Education, or Work
College & trade school
Colleges, universities, and trade schools must give reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. This is not the same as special education.
Quick FAQs
Do children have education rights before school?
In Illinois, young children from age 0 to 3 have a legal right to a program called Early Intervention that can help them get emotionally, physically, and mentally ready for school.
What is special education?
Special education is a wide range of services and supports that students with disabilities can have to help them learn and make progress in school. All students with disabilities have the right to a free, appropriate public education and special education is how they get it from kindergarten to the end of high school.
What is a transition plan?
A transition plan is a part of a student’s IEP that lists the goals and services the student will work on to get ready to be an adult. It helps teach students the skills they will need to live, learn, work, and play in the community after high school.
What rights do college students with disabilities have?
College students, trade school students, and people taking licensing exams have rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act that help them get the help they need to learn. These are not the same rights as special education.
Not finding what you need?
