Also known as: Rehabilitation Act · Section 504 · Rehab Act
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A federal statute that prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities by programs receiving federal financial assistance, certain federal contractors, and some federal employees.
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Ruby Rivera and Roberto Reyes formed a partnership to run a disability training program funded by federal grants. After a profitable quarter, Ruby refused to accommodate Roberto's mobility impairment. The court examined whether the Rehabilitation Act required the program to provide reasonable modifications as a condition of federal funding.
Regina Robinson dissociated from her LLC that provided services under federal contracts. She attempted to enforce a hiring policy excluding applicants with certain disabilities. The court assessed whether the Rehabilitation Act barred the policy for entities receiving federal funds.
Renee Rogers, a former methadone user, applied for a job with a federally funded transit authority. The authority rejected her under a blanket drug policy. The court examined whether the Rehabilitation Act required individualized assessment of her qualifications.
Rosalind Reed sought to open a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities in a single-family zone. The city denied the permit under an ordinance targeting such residences. The court reviewed the denial under equal protection principles informed by the Rehabilitation Act.
Robert Rivera, a state university employee with a disability, requested a modified schedule. The university denied the request citing cost. The court assessed whether the Rehabilitation Act imposed obligations on the state as a recipient of federal funds.
Rosalind Reed challenged a state judicial retirement rule that affected older judges with disabilities. The court considered whether the Rehabilitation Act provided an independent basis for relief alongside equal protection claims.
The statute applies to programs receiving federal financial assistance, certain federal contractors, and some federal employees. It does not reach all private employers the way the ADA does.
The Rehabilitation Act is the precursor statute. Courts interpret both laws consistently, but the Rehabilitation Act has narrower coverage limited to federally funded or contracting entities.
Yes. It prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and has been read to require reasonable accommodations in covered programs and employment.
…In all but six States the state vocational rehabilitation agency charged with administering the state plan under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1920, 41 Stat. 735, as amended, 29 U. S. C. § 701 et seq. (1970 ed., Supp. III), acts as the "state agency" for purposes of the disability insurance program. Staff of the House…