What is Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in federal entities or programs that receive federal financial assistance. It aims to protect children and adults with disabilities from exclusion, and unequal treatment in schools, jobs, and the community. Section 504 sets the stage for the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Subsequent amendments to the Rehabilitation act of 1973 strengthened requirements for access to electronic and information technology in the federal sector.