March 4, 2026
Source: ADA National Network (ADANN).
The ADA National Network (ADANN) has released a new resource, “ADA Mini-Unit for High School Educators: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Reasons They Matter,” that gives high school educators tools, including a PowerPoint presentation, to teach students about the basics of the ADA.
People of all ages have disabilities, and the ADA covers people with disabilities regardless of age. Learning about rights may be helpful for students academically and in their personal lives. The presentation is not intended to be a complete summary of the ADA. Instead, the presentation puts the law into historical and social context as well as helps students understand some of their rights. The goal is to help students be informed as they transition out of high school and into the next phase of their lives.
In addition to the PowerPoint presentation, this ADA mini-unit includes a small collection of other resources. An instructor guide covers some basics of the ADA and a brief history of the disability rights movement. Extension activities for homework or in-class activities support several common core standards.
This mini-unit could be incorporated into a high school curriculum in multiple ways. Educators working with high school youth could include this mini-unit in a social studies, history, or health class. It could also be woven into a class that teaches skills that will be needed in adulthood, or into a class on civil rights. Although this was created for general education students, high school students receiving transition services through their IEPs could benefit from the presentation as it prepares them to enter postsecondary education or employment settings. Educators in other settings may also find this useful for their students.
After completing this mini-unit, students will be able to:
- Briefly describe key moments of the disability rights movement in the U.S.
- Name who has responsibilities under the ADA and what some of the responsibilities are.
- Understand the rights people with disabilities have under the ADA.
The mini-unit does not cover all aspects of the ADA. Every situation is unique, and the ADA applies on a case-by-case basis. Because this mini-unit was designed as a broad overview, it does not contain full details about the law.
Visit the ADA National Network webpage to learn more and download the mini-unit.
Web: adata.org/educators-mini-unit
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