Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Definition

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. This section requires organizations to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, such as education and employment, thus promoting the broader goal of disability rights and accommodation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Section 504 was enacted in 1973 as part of the Rehabilitation Act, making it one of the first laws in the U.S. to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination.
2. To be protected under Section 504, an individual must demonstrate that they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
3. Schools and colleges receiving federal funding are required under Section 504 to provide necessary accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education.
4. Section 504 also applies to employment practices in organizations that receive federal funds, requiring them to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities.
5. This section laid the groundwork for later legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which expanded protections against discrimination for individuals with disabilities across all public domains.

Review Questions

• How does Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act influence educational institutions regarding students with disabilities?
  • Section 504 mandates that educational institutions receiving federal funds must provide necessary accommodations for students with disabilities. This ensures that these students have equal access to educational programs and services. Schools must assess each student’s needs individually and implement reasonable adjustments, such as modified curricula or assistive technology, so that students with disabilities can participate fully in their education.
• Evaluate the relationship between Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in terms of legal protections for individuals with disabilities.
  • While Section 504 primarily applies to programs receiving federal funding, the ADA extends protections against discrimination based on disability to all areas of public life, regardless of federal funding. The ADA builds on the foundation laid by Section 504 by broadening the scope of protections and emphasizing accessibility across various sectors, including employment and public accommodations. Together, these laws create a more comprehensive legal framework aimed at ensuring equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Critically analyze how Section 504 has impacted societal attitudes toward disability rights since its enactment.
  • The enactment of Section 504 has significantly shaped societal attitudes toward disability rights by highlighting the importance of inclusion and equal access. It brought awareness to the systemic discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities and sparked greater advocacy for their rights. Over time, this has contributed to a cultural shift toward recognizing disability as a critical aspect of diversity, pushing for legislative reforms like the ADA and promoting broader acceptance and integration of people with disabilities into all facets of society.

Related terms

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public.

Reasonable Accommodations: Modifications or adjustments to a job, work environment, or educational setting that enable a person with a disability to participate fully and effectively.

Disability Rights Movement: A social movement advocating for the equal rights and full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.