29 U.S.C § 794(2018) Prohibits any program or sector associated with the federal government from discriminating against individuals with disabilities.

Section 501 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Anti-Discrimination Laws for Individuals with Disabilities)

29 U.S.C. § 794 (2018). Provides protection of rights and forbids discrimination against people with disabilities in any agency or program that is receiving federal funds. Additionally, this section mandates accommodations for students in elementary school all the way through higher education.

Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Anti-Discrimination Laws for Federal Programs and Agencies)

29 U.S.C § 794d (2018). Established requirement that access and distribution of federal technology and electronic devices be available for people with disabilities. This right is guaranteed to employees in the workforce as well as general members of the public. 

Section 508 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Anti-Discrimination Laws for Technology)

29 U.S.C § 792 (2018). Modeled after the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968 which then developed the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board that is tasked with establishing and regulating guidelines regarding accessibility.

Section 502 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Anti-Discrimination Laws for Transportation)

29 U.S.C § 791 (2018) Requires agencies implement affirmative action regulations as well as require them to eliminate and address employment discrimination. This section's guidelines only apply to agencies that are federal contractors or subcontractors that have a contract that exceeds the minimum of $10,000

Section 503 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Anti-Discrimination Laws for Employees and Affirmative Action Enforcement)

- Section 501
- Section 502
- Section 503
- Section 504
- Section 508

Michigan State University

29 U.S.C. § 701 (2018). A law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination by providing funding, resources, and establishing requirements with the intention to achieve equity for people with disabilities. This law applies to all agencies and programs that are associated with or regulated by the federal government, receive any federal funds, and all federal employment agencies, but each agency has specific requirements in addition to the universal federal standards.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 701 (2018)

Significant sections in The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

President Nixon vetoed the original Rehabilitation act because he felt it was too costly and felt it was contrary to the economic goals of society. However, public protesting by the disability community finally led to the passing of the Rehabiliation Act. It is important to note that this was the first time the disability community became involved in asserting the needs for their population. Even so, the disability community did not have the opportunity to take part in any of the legislation itself. 

President Nixon’s Reasons for Vetoing the Rehabilitation Act



James L. Cherry’s experiences with discrimination and accessibility issues motivated him to become an active participant in disability advocacy. He played a pivotal role in the passing of section 504 by taking legal actions and helping create precise regulations to define the policy. 


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