Ms. Peterson’s students are denied access to a computer lab due to school policy. This policy is a violation of which act?

The correct choice highlights a focus on the broader implications of access to programs and facilities for individuals with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, particularly Section 504, mandates that students with disabilities should have equal access to educational opportunities and facilities that are available to their peers without disabilities. When a school policy denies access to a computer lab for students with disabilities, it directly contravenes these principles of equitable access set forth in the Rehabilitation Act.

While other acts like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also relate to the rights of individuals with disabilities, they focus on different aspects of disability rights. IDEA primarily concerns the provision of free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, ensuring that they receive special education and related services. The ADA is more comprehensive in its protection against discrimination in public and private spaces, promoting access in a wider context.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is concerned with the privacy of student education records rather than access to school facilities or programs, making it less relevant in this scenario. Therefore, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 stands as the guiding legislation in this context for ensuring equitable access to educational resources like technology.