Comparison of the IDEA, Section 504 and the ADA

	IDEA	Section 504	ADA
Mission	To provide a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment	To provide people with disabilities, to the maximum extent possible, the opportunity to be fully integrated into mainstream American life.	To provide all people with disabilities broader coverage than Section 504 in all aspects of discrimination law
Scope	Applies to public schools	Applies to any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.	Applies to public or private employment, transportation, accommodations, and telecommunications regardless of whether federal funding is received.
Coverage	Only those students age 3-21 who need special education and related services because of their disability.	All qualified people with disabilities regardless of whether special education services are required in public elementary, secondary or postsecondary settings.	All qualified people with disabilities, and qualified non-disabled related to or associated with a person with a disability.
Disability Defined	A listing of disabilities is provided in the act, including specific learning disabilities.	No listing of disabilities is provided, but criteria including having any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, having a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.	No listing of disabilities provided. Same criteria as Section 504.
Identification Process	Responsibility of school District to identify through "Child Find" and evaluate at no expense to parent or individual.	Responsibility of individual with disability to self-identify and provide documentation. Cost of evaluation must be assumed by the individual, not the institution.	Same as Section 504
Service Delivery	Special education services and auxiliary aids must be stipulated in the Individual Education Plan.	Services, auxiliary aids, and academic adjustments may be provided in the regular education setting, arranged for by special education coordinator or disabled student services provider.	Services, auxiliary aids, and accommodations arranged for by the designated ADA coordinator; Accommodations must not pose an .undue hardship. to employers.
Funding	Federal funds are conditional on compliance with IDEA regulations.	No authorization for funding is attached to this civil rights statute.	Same as Section 504.
Enforcement Agency	Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the U.S. Department of Education.	Office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education.	Primarily in the U.S. Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Federal Communications Commission. May overlap with OCR.
Remedies	Reimbursement by district of school related expenses is available to parents of children with disabilities to ensure FAPE.	A private individual can sue a recipient of federal financial assistance to ensure compliance with Section 504. Attorney fees and costs may be ordered.	Same as Section 504 with monetary damages for some violations. Attorney fees and litigation expenses are also recoverable.