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ERIC Number: ED609661
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Jun
Pages: 86
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
K-12 Education: School Districts Need Better Information to Help Improve Access for People with Disabilities. Report to Congressional Requesters. GAO-20-448
Nowicki, Jacqueline M.
US Government Accountability Office
National reports have raised concerns about the physical accessibility of public school facilities for people with disabilities. These facilities serve important roles as schools, voting locations, and emergency shelters, among other things. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to examine the physical accessibility of public school facilities. This report examines the extent to which: (1) school districts have school facilities with physical barriers that may limit access for people with disabilities; (2) districts plan to improve the accessibility of school facilities and the challenges they face; and (3) U.S. Departments of Justice and Education assist districts and states in improving school facilities' physical accessibility. GAO conducted a nationally representative survey of school districts; surveyed states and the District of Columbia; examined 55 schools across six states, selected for variation in size and other characteristics; reviewed relevant federal laws, regulations, and guidance; and interviewed federal, state, and school district officials, and national disability groups. Findings show that two-thirds of U.S. public school districts have schools with physical barriers that may limit access for people with disabilities, according to GAO's survey of district officials. Barriers, such as a lack of accessible door hardware and steep ramps, can make it challenging for students, teachers, and others with disabilities to use public school facilities. GAO recommends that the Department of Justice work with the Department of Education to: (1) provide information specific to accessibility of public school facilities; and (2) provide information on federal accessibility requirements in the context of public school safety and security.
US Government Accountability Office. 441 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20548. Tel: 202-512-6000; Web site: http://www.gao.gov
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Legal/Legislative/Regulatory Materials; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: US Government Accountability Office
Identifiers - Location: California; Florida; Maryland; Michigan; New Mexico; Rhode Island; United States
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Rehabilitation Act 1973 (Section 504); Americans with Disabilities Act 1990
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A