The Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors. The standards for determining employment discrimination under the Rehabilitation Act are the same as those used in title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Section 501
Section 501 requires affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment by Federal agencies of the executive branch. To obtain more information or to file a complaint, employees should contact their agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Office.
Section 504
Section 504 states that "no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under" any program or activity that either receives Federal financial assistance or is conducted by any Executive agency or the United States Postal Service.
Section 508
Section 508 establishes requirements for electronic and information technology developed, maintained, procured, or used by the Federal government. Section 508 requires Federal electronic and information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public.
Telecommunications Act
Section 255 and Section 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, require manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and providers of telecommunications services to ensure that such equipment and services are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, if readily achievable. These amendments ensure that people with disabilities will have access to a broad range of products and services such as telephones, cell phones, pagers, call-waiting, and operator services, that were often inaccessible to many users with disabilities.
Presidential Orders
Executive Order 14035
Initiative to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
For the Presidential Memo on Executive Order 14035, see the “Related Documents" section on the left of the screen.
Executive Order 13583
Establishing a Coordinated Government-wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce
Executive Order 13548
Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals With Disabilities
Executive Order 13518
Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government
Executive Order 13164
Requiring Federal Agencies To Establish Procedures To Facilitate the Provision of Reasonable Accommodation
Additional Documents
Department of Defense Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan
To view this document, see the “Related Documents" section on the left of the screen.
Department of Defense National Security Memorandum-3
To view this document, see the “Related Documents" section on the left of the screen.