OSERS is the acronym for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, which is part of the U.S. Department of Education. OSERS is comprised of the Office of the Assistant Secretary (OAS) and three program components: the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

To provide leadership to achieve full integration and participation in society of people with disabilities by ensuring equal opportunity and access to and excellence in education, employment, and community living.

OSERS supports a wide range of programs and research aimed at helping individuals with disabilities.

For more information visit: OSERS' Grants & Funding opportunities

There are over 40 different definitions of disability in United States federal law. One of the more prominent definitions of disability can be found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA definition sets out the following criteria:

• a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities
• a record of such an impairment
• being regarded as having such an impairment
  
  

• Implements IDEA.
  
• Implements The Rehabilitation Act.
  
• Administers basic state grant programs for IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act.
  
• Improves employment outcomes for persons with disabilities.
  
• Implements the Education of the Deaf Act, the Randolph-Sheppard Act, the Helen Keller National Center Act, the Assistive Technology Act, and the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind of March 3, 1879.
  
• Supports basic programs through:
  • Research
  • Technical Assistance
  • Parent and Professional Training and Development Programs
  • Monitoring
  • Client Assistance Programs
    
• Administers programs that support three Special Institutions:
  • Gallaudet University
  • National Technical Institute for the Deaf
  • American Printing House for the Blind
    
• Develops strategic planning and performance measurement activities to implement the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)
  
• Develops and implements a long-range Disability Research Agenda
  
• Provides technology-related assistance through state programs
  
  

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• Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  
• The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act)
  
• The Education Of The Deaf Act (EDA)
  
• The Helen Keller National Center Act (HKNC)
  
• The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (Tech Act)
  
• Randolph-Sheppard Act (Vending Facilities For The Blind)
  
• Act to Promote Education of the Blind on March 3, 1879