LAW 644

Disability Rights

Law School

Recommended for route(s):

[ Academia ] Public Interest Law: General

General course Description:

This is a survey course of disability rights law, with an emphasis on landmark federal and state legislation and jurisprudence in the areas of employment, government services, public accommodations, education, housing and personal autonomy. It includes a review of such statutes as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), fair Housing Act Amendments and the California Developmental Services ("Lanterman") Act. The course has a "cross-disability" orientation insofar as it addresses the rights and treatment of persons with mobility and communication impairments, as well as developmental and psychiatric disabilities. The course looks at disability from a civil and human rights perspective-- rather than a medical or welfare viewpoint. Some of the issues to be covered are: institutional mistreatment, de-institutionalization, social integration, educational equity, international customary disability law, peer advocacy and self-determination, the right to refuse treatment and assisted suicide. There will be frequent guest speakers and legal skills in-class simulation exercises.

Course Style: A Substantive/Statutory course deals with law, theory, and policy in the context of a particular code or statutory scheme.

Course Frequency: Offered every other year

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