Questions: Who is "covered" under each of the two acts (ADA and IDEA)? What ages? Explain.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are two significant pieces of legislation in the United States that provide protections and services for individuals with disabilities. Here's a breakdown of who is "covered" under each act and the relevant age ranges:

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

   • Coverage: The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. It covers individuals with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
   • Ages: The ADA applies to individuals of all ages. It is not limited to a specific age group, meaning it covers children, adolescents, and adults. The ADA ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

2. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

   • Coverage: IDEA is a federal law that requires public schools to provide children with disabilities a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. It covers children who have specific types of disabilities that affect their educational performance and who require special education and related services.
   • Ages: IDEA covers children and young adults from birth through age 21. It is divided into several parts, with Part C covering infants and toddlers (birth to age 2) and Part B covering children and young adults (ages 3 to 21). The goal of IDEA is to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to education tailored to their individual needs.

In summary, the ADA covers individuals with disabilities of all ages, focusing on preventing discrimination in various aspects of public life, while IDEA specifically targets educational services for children and young adults with disabilities, from birth to age 21.