Understanding the Legal Rights of Disabled Students in 2025
- Kirk Carlson
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Understanding the Legal Rights of Disabled Students in 2025
In 2025, the legal rights of disabled students have never been more important — or more under pressure.
As technology, education policies, and discrimination evolve, knowing the laws that protect disabled students is critical for families, advocates, and students themselves.
At Covenant of Courage, we believe knowledge is power.
Here’s what you need to know about the legal rights of disabled students in today’s world.
Key Laws That Protect Disabled Students
Several powerful federal laws form the foundation of disability rights in education:
1.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 prohibits any school that receives federal funding from discriminating against students with disabilities.
Students protected under Section 504 are entitled to reasonable accommodations that ensure they have equal access to learning.
Examples of accommodations:
Extended time on tests
Preferential seating
Access to assistive technology
Modified assignments
In 2025, more students are using Section 504 plans not just for physical disabilities, but also for conditions like ADHD, autism, mental health disorders, and learning disabilities.
2.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA guarantees that eligible students receive free appropriate public education (FAPE) through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
An IEP is a legal document that outlines the services, supports, and goals tailored to the student’s unique needs.
Key IDEA rights in 2025 include:
Right to an evaluation at no cost
Right to an IEP tailored to educational progress, not just passing grades
Right to dispute resolutions and due process hearings if the school fails to comply
3.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA protects disabled students against discrimination in all educational settings — including K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and trade programs.
In 2025, the ADA also increasingly covers online learning environments and technology accessibility, an area that has expanded rapidly due to virtual classrooms and AI-driven tools.
Emerging Challenges for Disabled Students in 2025
Despite these protections, disabled students face new forms of discrimination and barriers today, including:
Bias from AI-based academic integrity tools
Schools resisting accommodations due to budget cuts or misunderstanding of laws
Increased disciplinary actions against students with invisible disabilities
Lack of accessible online content for remote learners
Covenant of Courage works to expose and challenge these systemic problems, making sure that new technology and education practices evolve with disabled students at the center, not as an afterthought.
What Disabled Students and Families Should Know in 2025
Here are 5 key takeaways for anyone navigating education with a disability today:
You have the right to reasonable accommodations — and schools must honor them.
You have the right to dispute unfair decisions (such as denial of accommodations, suspensions, or academic accusations).
You have the right to be free from retaliation for asserting your rights.
Schools must make online learning and technology accessible.
You are not alone. Organizations like Covenant of Courage exist to support, educate, and fight alongside you.
How Covenant of Courage Can Help
At Covenant of Courage, we:
Educate students and families about their legal rights
Prepare students for academic hearings and disability meetings
Challenge wrongful accusations based on disability bias
Advocate for systemic change in education policies
Whether you’re fighting for a 504 Plan, defending yourself from a false accusation, or challenging discrimination, we are here to stand with you.
Because the fight for disability rights in education isn’t over —
It’s just getting stronger.
Need help understanding or defending your rights?
Contact Covenant of Courage today. Your voice matters. Your future matters.
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