Disability Laws & Policy
The Rehabilitation Act
Section 501
Section 501 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in Federal employment and requires Federal agencies to establish affirmative action plans for the hiring, placement, and advancement of people with disabilities in Federal employment.
> Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 502
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) Provides for the removal barriers to create more accessible infrastructures.
Section 503
Employment Under Federal Contracts Requires Federal contractors who receive a Government contract of $10,000 or more include affirmative action efforts for employment of people with disabilities.
Section 504
Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in Federally funded and Federally conducted programs or activities in the United States, including employment programs.
> Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Sections 505
Sections 505 establishes the enforcement procedures for title V of the Rehabilitation Act.
> Section 505 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 506
Responsibilities of the Secretary of Education - Established that the Secretary of Education, may provide, directly or contractually, technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities or to any public or non-profit organization for the purpose of assisting in the removal of architectural, transportation, or communication barriers.
The Secretary may provide, directly or contractually, financial assistance to any public or non-profit organization which would be used for removing architectural, transportation or communication barriers.
Section 507
Interagency Disability Coordinating Council - Establishes the Interagency Disability Coordinating Council which is responsible for coordinating implementation of the Title V of the Rehabilitation Act and monitor and coordinate all effort of Federal agencies concerning the rights of people with disabilities. This includes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Section 508
> Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Telecommunications Act
Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and providers of telecommunications services to ensure that such equipment and services are accessible to persons with disabilities, if readily achievable. The Federal Communications Commission's Report and Order Implementing Section 255 was released in September 1999.
The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) issued final guidelines for accessibility, usability and compatibility of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment covered by Section 255 of the Telecommunication Act of 1996.
Presidential Orders
Executive Order 13078
Increasing Employment of Adults with Disabilities
> Executive Order 13078
Executive Order 13163
Increasing the Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities to be Employed in the Federal Government
> Executive Order 13163
Executive Order 13164
Requiring Federal Agencies to Establish Procedures to Facilitate the Provision of Reasonable Accommodations
> Executive Order 13164
Executive Order 13518
Requiring Federal Agencies to Employ Veterans
> Executive Order 13518
Executive Order 13548
Requiring Federal Agencies to Employ Individuals with Targeted Disabilities
> Executive Order 13548