Equal Access: Fighting for Disability Protections

Young people with disabilities often face challenges as they prepare for middle school, high school, and the workplace. This insightful volume reassures youth with disabilities that they aren't alone and helps them understand, and use, their rights under the law that was created to protect them: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Readers will find detailed yet accessible explanations of the ADA and how it applies to them, along with tips to help them obtain the accommodations they need to reach their full potential as students, employees, and members of the community.

Thanks to technological innovations and changing attitudes, people with disabilities are able to participate in a wide range of physical activity. This comprehensive volume looks at more than thirty-five adaptive sports that provide modifications to allow people with disabilities to live an active lifestyle. From skiing to sailing and cycling to volleyball, adaptive sports make exercise, and all of its physical, social, and emotional benefits available to people with disabilities. This engrossing text also explores the Paralympics, which offers disabled athletes the chance to compete with their peers from across the globe while building their confidence and self-esteem.

Sexual education in the United States is inadequate for all students, but those with disabilities are particularly affected. This authoritative text provides concise information to assist in teaching sexual education basics to disabled students, a group that is frequently left out of conversations about sexual health despite having high rates of sexual abuse. This book provides resources and strategies to help educate disabled students about the concept of consent and how to recognize abusive behaviors. This comprehensive guide will help disabled students protect themselves and their sexual autonomy.

Having a network of friends may help teens with disabilities overcome obstacles like stigmatization, a significant issue for this population. Other topics in this book include what it means to be an ally, how teens with disabilities can use social media to connect, and the importance of including health care providers in their network to expand their support system. Bolstered by data from recent journal articles, this compelling volume offers teens with disabilities the tools to expand their network and form relationships that lead to more fulfilling lives.

Teens with disabilities are at an increased risk of being bullied and need help addressing and overcoming the unique forms of bullying they face. This insightful resource combines information about basic protections under the American with Disabilities Act, examples of the ways in which teens with disabilities are bullied, and effective anti-bullying strategies to address this issue. The emphasis is placed on safety, and letting students know where to turn to assert their rights. When neurodivergent teens and those with physical disabilities have the tools to combat bullying, they can feel empowered and thrive in all aspects of their lives.