Disability Law Handbook

Rehabilitation Act

What is the Rehab Act?

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, often called the Rehab Act, prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in employment practices of federal contractors.

What is Section 504 of the Rehab Act?

Section 504 states that “no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under” any program or activity that either gets federal financial help or is conducted by an administrative agency or the United States Postal Service.

Who is covered by Section 504?

Individuals who meet the definition of disability are covered. The definition is the same as it is for the ADA.

Which places are covered by Section 504?

It applies to any entity that receives federal financial assistance. This includes a lot more places than you might think about when you first hear that. Of course, it covers nearly all government entities. It also covers nearly all colleges, universities, and trade schools. Many private schools and day care centers are also covered, as are most health care facilities.

My child is covered by Section 504 in her public school. The school says they will come up with a 504 Accommodation Plan. Can you tell me what that is?

Yes. A 504 Accommodation Plan outlines the student’s needs and what modifications and accommodations will be provided. The plan is written by a team of people who are knowledgeable about the student. It’s similar to the Individual Education Plan (IEP) used in special education.

Who enforces Section 504?

Each federal agency has its own set of Section 504 regulations that apply to its own programs. Agencies that provide federal financial assistance also have Section 504 regulations covering entities that get federal aid. Those entities that get federal financial help must provide reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities, program accessibility, effective communication with people who have hearing or vision disabilities, and accessible new construction and alterations. Each agency enforces its own regulations.

Section 504 can also be enforced by people with disabilities who have been discriminated against, through private lawsuits. You don’t have to file a complaint or get a “right to sue” letter before going to court.

Where can I get more information about how to file a Section 504 Complaint?

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Disability Rights Section – NYAV
Washington DC 20530
800.514.0301/V
800.514.0383/TTY

So that’s Section 504. Are there other sections of the Rehab Act I should know about?

Yes – Sections 501, 503, and 508.

Section 501 requires affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment by federal agencies. To find out about filing a 501 Complaint, contact your agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity office.

Section 503 requires affirmative action and prohibits employment discrimination by federal government contractors and subcontractors with contracts of more than $10,000. For more information, you can visit www.dol.gov/esa/ofccp. Or call 202.693.0106.

Section 508 has certain accessibility requirements for electronic and information technology used by the federal government. An accessible information technology system can be used in a variety of ways so that it doesn’t rely on a single sense or ability of the user. Federal government websites must be accessible to users who are blind or have low vision, who are deaf or hard of hearing, and/or who might need accessibility-related software or peripheral devices to use accessible systems. Federal government websites must be accessible to people with different kinds of disabilities.

Where can I get more information on Section 508?

U.S. General Services Administration
Office of Governmentwide Policy
IT Accessibility & Workforce Division
1800 F Street, NW
Room1234, MC:MKC
Washington DC 20405-0001
www.gsa.gov/section508
202.501.4906 (voice/relay)

U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
1331 F Street NW, suite 1000
Washington DC 20004-1111
www.access-board.gov
800.872.2253/V
800.993.2822/TTY

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