USDOE's Office of Civil Rights Releases New Resources on Protecting Students with Disabilities in K12 and Higher Education

June 28, 2024

OCR Released New Resources for Families regarding Sickle Cell, Cancer, and Epilepsy

JUNE 20, 2024

Contact: Press Office, (202) 401-1576, press@ed.gov

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released three new resources today with information for students, parents and families, and schools addressing the civil rights of students with sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and cancer. OCR issued these resources during a month that marks both World Sickle Cell Day and National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week.

The resources inform students with disabilities, and their families and schools, about relevant legal rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities by institutions that accept federal financial assistance, which includes almost all public schools and public and private institutions of higher education. These new resources, which are applicable to all levels of education, explain when these medical conditions trigger protections under Section 504, what kind of modifications an educational institution may need to take to avoid unlawful discrimination, and what an institution may need to do to remedy past discrimination.

OCR is also responsible for enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 90% of people with sickle cell disease in the United States are Black; Black Americans are more likely than White and Hispanic Americans to have active epilepsy (e.g., having one or more seizures in the past year and/or taking medication to control it); and, compared to other racial and ethnic groups, Black Americans have higher rates of getting and dying from many kinds of cancer. OCR enforces all the laws in its jurisdiction when they apply to cases OCR investigates.

“These new resources will give all students experiencing sickle cell disease, epilepsy, or cancer, as well as their families and schools, important tools to understand when and how they are protected by federal disability rights laws,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon.

The new resources regarding sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and cancer are available on the OCR website.

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Thank You for Making Active for Autism 2025 a Huge Success!

May 13, 2025

We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community. The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community. We are beyond grateful to our: Participants who showed up with passion and purpose Sponsors who helped make the event possible Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day Donors who gave generously Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us! Thank You to All Our Sponsors We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community. 2025 Active for Autism Sponsors: Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year. 📅 Mark your calendar : Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again. From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected. We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge Hosts Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest on April 26, 2025

By Chanell Thomas • April 2, 2025