What does Section 504 ensure for individuals with disabilities?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a significant piece of legislation designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. It ensures that no qualified individual with a disability is denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This means that schools, workplaces, and any other federally funded programs must provide equal access and opportunities to individuals with disabilities, making the prohibition of discrimination a core principle of Section 504.

This law is crucial because it mandates accommodations and support structures to enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully and equally in programs and services, ensuring that they are not disadvantaged due to their disability. The law was enacted to promote inclusion and equal rights, reinforcing the idea that individuals with disabilities should have the same rights and access as those without disabilities in federally funded settings.