Laws

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is generally viewed as the first civil rights legislation for people with disabilities at the national level. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a program access statue. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity offered by an entity or institution receiving federal funds. Since 1977, all institutions receiving federal funding must be prepared to provide appropriate academic adjustments and reasonable modifications to policies and practices for people with disabilities.

Section 504 states (as amended): “No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States… shall, solely on the basis of disability, be denied access to, or the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity provided by any institution receiving federal financial assistance.”

• Subpart E of Section 504 specifically addresses postsecondary education.
• Transition to college from high school from the perspective of the difference between laws for the two settings are explored in a question and answer format at this site.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The ADA is a federal civil rights statute designed to remove barriers which prevent qualified individuals with disabilities from enjoying the same opportunities available to persons without disabilities. Universities are covered in many ways under the ADA. Employment is addressed by Title I, and accessibility provided by public and private entities addressed by Titles II and III. Private colleges and universities are covered under Title III, unless they are wholly owned and operated by religious organizations. Title IV covers telecommunications and miscellaneous items are covered under Title V. The ADA does not replace Section 504, but in situations where the ADA provides more protection, the ADA standards apply.

• This summary of the ADA provides a quick overview.
• Title II of the ADA, State and Local Governments, is the part of the law that impacts state universities.
  

Voter Registration at Disability Services

Columbus State students, faculty and staff can register to vote at Disability Services (DS) as we are a designated voter registration agency of the state of Ohio.

Voter information and registration forms are available in the reception area of the DS office. You can also go to the Ohio Secretary of State's office weblink for a downloadable voter registration form, and voting information. Ohio residents that reside outside of the Franklin county area may vote via an absentee ballot. Absentee ballot voting information and online voter registration may also be accessed from the Franklin County Board of Elections website. If you are a registered voter, and have changed your name or address since the last time you voted, you must complete and submit a new voter registration form.

Please note that if you are from another state, and you wish to vote from Ohio you must obtain an absentee ballot from your home county and state. This form must be sent back to your home state for voter registration purposes.

Individuals from any state may also use the The National Mail Voter Registration Form to register to vote, to update registration information due to a change of name, to make a change of address, or to register with a political party. This form and other information can be found at the United State Election Assistance Commission website.

If you have any questions regarding voter registration please call the DS office at 614-287-2507.