Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Overview
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires access to programs and activities that are funded by Federal agencies and to Federal employment. Later amendments strengthened requirements for access to electronic and information technology in the Federal sector (Section 508). The Board plays a lead role in developing and maintaining standards for electronic and information technology under section 508 and Section 504.
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. The nondiscrimination requirements of the law apply to employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from any Federal department or agency, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
These organizations and employers include many hospitals, nursing homes, mental health centers and human service programs. Section 504 forbids organizations and employers from excluding or denying individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services. It defines the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate in, and have access to, program benefits and services.
Office of Civil Rights - Section 504 Factsheet Links to an external site.
Section 508
Section 508 requires that when federal agencies or recipients of federal funding develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, federal employees with disabilities must have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, Section 508 requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a federal agency, must have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities.
U.S. Access Board - Section 508 Links to an external site.