Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Description 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding.  It ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and services including education.

Action to be taken

• Provide reasonable accommodation and ensuring equal access to programs and activities for students with disabilities.
  • Create a process for students to self-identify and request accommodation.
  • Create an accommodation plan.
• Remain aware of any amendments made to the statute by Congress.
• Remain mindful of any rulemaking developments by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to enforce the statute for educational programs.

Date Enacted

• September 26, 1973, amended December 27, 2022

Resources

• 29 U.S.C. 794 – Public Law No. 93-112 p. 142
• Federal Regulation to implement the statute: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance (2024)