In recent years, we have seen increasing emphasis on the importance of
ensuring that children with disabilities have the same opportunities as
other children to receive an education and education-related benefits, such
as school meals.
Congress first addressed this concern in The Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which prohibits discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities
in the programs or activities of any agency of the federal government's
executive branch or any organization receiving federal financial
assistance.
Subsequently, Congress passed the Education of the Handicapped Act,
(now, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which requires that
a free and appropriate public education be provided for children with
disabilities, who are aged 3 through 21, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act, a comprehensive law which broadens and extends civil
rights protections for Americans with disabilities.
One effect of these laws has been an increase in the number of children
with disabilities who are being educated in regular school programs. In
some cases, the disability may prevent the child from eating meals
prepared for the general school population.
This guidance describes some of the factors which must be considered in
the early phases of planning and suggests ways in which the school food
service can interact with other responsible parties in the school and the
community at large to serve children with disabilities.
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