Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is a federal law, codified as 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq. The principal sponsor of the bill was Rep. John Brademas. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 replaces the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to extend and revise the authorization of grants to States for vocational rehabilitation services, with special emphasis on services to those with the most severe disabilities, to expand specia…
Full Answer
What does the Rehabilitation Act cover?
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 …
What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
Sep 26, 2021 · What is the Rehabilitation Act? The Rehabilitation Act aims to "promote and expand employment opportunities in the public and private sectors for handicapped individuals. The Rehabilitation Act prohibits the Federal Government and certain federal contractors from discriminating against employees and contractors based upon a medical disability.
How does the Rehabilitation Act define disability?
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Pl 93-112 (hr 8070) September 26, 1973. An act to replace the vocational rehabilitation act, to extend and revise the authorization of grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services, with special emphasis on services to those with the most severe handicaps, to expand special federal responsibilities and research and training …
What is the purpose of the Rehabilitation Services Administration Act?
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and applies to any program that receives federal financial support. Section 504 of the Act is aimed at making educational programs and facilities accessible to all students. Section 508 of the Act requires that electronic office equipment purchased through federal procurement meet disability access …
What did the Rehab Act do?
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended (Rehab 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.
What disabilities are covered under the Rehabilitation Act?
Some examples of impairments which may substantially limit major life activities, even with the help of medication or aids/devices, are: AIDS, alcoholism, blindness or visual impairment, cancer, deafness or hearing impairment, diabetes, drug addiction, heart disease, and mental illness.
What was the Rehabilitation Act of 1972?
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.Feb 24, 2020
Why is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 important?
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first legislation to address the notion of equal access for individuals with disabilities through the removal of architectural, employment, and transportation barriers. It also created rights of persons with disabilities through affirmative action programs.Sep 17, 2018
Is anxiety a disability?
Is Anxiety Considered a Disability? Anxiety disorders, such as OCD, panic disorders, phobias or PTSD are considered a disability and can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Those with anxiety can qualify for disability if they are able to prove their anxiety makes it impossible to work.
What is Section 7 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act?
The major concern is with section 7(B)(i), cited above, which asserts that a handicapped individual "has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities." Federal regulations further define which persons are covered by this language.
Who is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
Applicants or Employees with Disabilities in the Federal Government. If an employer is an executive branch of the federal government, an individual with a disability who is employed by or applies for employment with that employer is protected by Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
What is the difference between the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act?
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 covers federal contractors and programs receiving federal funds. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations and telecommunications.
What act did the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 replace?
the Vocational Rehabilitation ActThe Rehabilitation Act of 1973 replaces preexisting laws (collectively referred to as the Vocational Rehabilitation Act) to extend and revise the authorization of grants to States for vocational rehabilitation services, with special emphasis on services to those with the most severe disabilities, to expand special ...
Who would qualify as a person with a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
DISABILITIES COVERED UNDER SECTION 504 The ED Section 504 regulation defines an "individual with handicaps" as any person who (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of such an impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment.
Who enforces the Rehab Act?
the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)Sections 501 and 505 are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Section 503: Prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.
What is the main purpose of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act?
Section 508 and Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are often confused with each other. Section 508 requires that the federal government procure, create, use and maintain ICT that is accessible to people with disabilities, regardless of whether or not they work for the federal government.Jan 18, 2022
When Does the Rehabilitation Act Apply?
The Rehabilitation Act does not distinguish between qualified and non-qualified disabilities, but the ant-discrimination provisions are quite similar to those under the ADA.
Discussion Question
Why do you think Congress failed to distinguish between qualified and non-qualified disabled individuals for purposes of federal employment? Was this wise? Why or why not?
Practice Question
Bertha is applying for employment with the US Department of Agriculture. She has ocular degeneration, which severely diminishes her eyesight. She is not hired for the position out of fear that her disability will not allow her to perform the job. She is considering filing a complaint under the Rehabilitation Act for discrimination.
What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
Pl 93-112 (hr 8070) September 26, 1973. An act to replace the vocational rehabilitation act, to extend and revise the authorization of grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services, with special emphasis on services to those with the most severe handicaps, to expand special federal responsibilities ...
What is the original text of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Original Text) For historical purposes, this is the original text of the law, without any subsequent amendments. For the current texts of the laws we enforce, as amended, see Laws Enforced by the EEOC.
Who has access to the books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient of a grant or contract under this
The secretary and the comptroller general of the united states, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient of any grant or contract under this act which are pertinent to such grant or contract.
What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and applies to any program that receives federal financial support. Section 504 of the Act is aimed at making educational programs and facilities accessible to all students. Section 508 of the Act requires that electronic office equipment purchased ...
What is Section 508?
Section 508 of the Act requires that electronic office equipment purchased through federal procurement meet disability access guidelines. For more information, consult Glossary of Disability-Related Terms and the Legal Issues area of The Faculty Room.
What is the Rehabilitation Act?
The Rehabilitation Act is the Federal legislation that authorizes the formula grant programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living, and client assistance. The Act also includes several sections (501, 503, 504 & 508) concerning rights, advocacy, access and protections for individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted and funded by the Federal government (504). It covers discrimination in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors (501 & 503). Also, it requires Federal electronic and information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public (508). Due to the scope of the Act, we have provided links to both the full text of the law, as well as information on specific sections covering access and protections for people with disabilities.
What is Section 501?
Section 501 requires affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment by Federal agencies of the executive branch. The standards for determining employment discrimination under the Rehabilitation Act are the same as those used in Title I of the ADA .
What is Title II of the ADA?
Interestingly, Title II of the ADA defines individuals with a disability in basically the same way as the Rehabilitation Act. Meaning that an individual with any physical or mental impairment that “substantially limits” one or more major life activities, or has a history of such impairment, or, a person who is regarded as being impaired, ...
What are the disabilities covered by Section 504?
Notwithstanding, some impairments that qualify for disability under Section 504 include: Physiological disorders, such as hearing impairments, vision impairments, impairments of motor functions, or issues with cellular growth. Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.
Is the ADA broader than the Rehabilitation Act?
Therefore, the ADA is somewhat broader than the Rehabilitation Act.
Sections 501 and 505
- EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is the text of Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub. L. 93-112) (Rehab. Act), as amended, as these sections will appear in volume 29 of the United States Code, beginning at section 791. Section 501 prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the federal sector. Sec...
Definitions
- SEC. 705 [Section 7] For the purposes of this chapter: * * * (10) Drug and illegal use of drugs * * * (20) Individual with a disability (B) Certain programs; limitations on major life activities Subject to subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), and (F), the term "individual with a disability" means, for purposes of sections 701, 711, and 712 of this title and subchapters II, IV, V, and VII of this chapter [29 U.S.C…
Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
- SEC. 791. [Section 501] (a) Interagency Committee on Employees who are Individuals with Disabilities; establishment; membership; co-chairmen; availability of other Committee resources; purpose and functions There is established within the Federal Government an Interagency Committee on Employees who are Individuals with Disabilities (hereinafter in this section referre…
Remedies and Attorneys' Fees
- SEC. 794a. [Section 505] (a)(1) The remedies, procedures, and rights set forth in section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-16), including the application of sections 706(f) through 706(k) (42 U.S.C. 2000e-5(f) through (k)) (and the application of section 706(e)(3) (42 U.S.C. 2000e-5(e)(3)) to claims of discrimination in compensation), shall be available, with respe…