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Federal law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) established the rights of individuals with disabilities, and Gateway is committed to compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations regarding the provision of academic accommodations to provide equal educational opportunity for all. In accordance with federal and state regulations, disability-related information will be treated in a confidential manner. 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The Rehabilitation Act was signed into Congress in 1973. This Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors.

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination of individuals with disabilities by federally funded programs and recipients of federal dollars. Gateway Technical College falls into this category and will provide programs and activities that are accessible.
  • Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act maintain the same definition of "impairment" and "major life activities". Therefore students must have a diagnosed disability that impacts physical, mental or learning abilities in one or more life activity areas.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. This prohibits discrimination of individuals with disabilities and to allow individuals with disabilities to have equal access and rights to the following: employment, state and local government activities, public transportation public/commercial accommodations and telecommunications relay services. It also applies to the United States Congress.

Gateway is subject to both the ADA and Section 504 requirements. Our buildings are accessible to students (and students are not subject to any disability screening), and Gateway will provide reasonable accommodations for students who meet criteria for services under Section 504.