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Law and Regulations Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended Title V of the Rehabilitation Act 1973 sets forth several important assurances and protection pertaining to the rights of people with disabilities. This Act applies to the Federal government as an employer and in the administration of its conducted programs, federal contractors, and entities receiving federal funds. The protections include: Section 501. Employment of Persons with Disabilities. Requires Federal agencies to develop and implement annual affirmative action plans for the hiring, placement, and advancement of "handicapped" persons and submit to the EEOC. This Section was modified by the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 to include separate actions for disabled veterans. Section 501(a), as amended, which establishes an Interagency Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. Section 501(b), as amended, which requires affirmative action in Federal employment of persons with disabilities. 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 receives a Government contract of $10,000 or more include affirmative action efforts for employment of people with disabilities. Section 504. Nondiscrimination Under Federal Grants and Programs. Prohibits discrimination of qualified persons with disabilities in Federally funded and conducted programs, not only in employment but in the provision of services to include education, health services, loans, grants, etc. Section 505. Remedies and Attorney's Fees. Allows persons filing a complaint of discrimination in Federal employment on the basis of disability the same remedies, procedures and rights as provided under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These remedies include:
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. Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility. Electronic and information technology that is accessible to people with disabilities provides greater access opportunities for all. Section 508 was established to prohibit barriers in information technology and present new opportunities and promises for people with disabilities. For complete information and resources, please access http://www.section508.gov. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), prohibits discrimination in employment state and local programs and services. This law does not apply to the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. However, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act establishes similar requirements in Federally conducted programs and activities. In addition, ADA standards for nondiscrimination in employment apply to Federal employment under Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act. The regulations and guidance under the ADA are therefore helpful to Federal agencies seeking to comply with Sections 501 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 highlights the most significant opportunity for the advancement of people with disabilities since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. These provisions require 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. Congress recognized that, although we are moving into the information age with increasing dependence on telecommunications tools, people with disabilities remain unable to access many products and services that are vital to full participation in our society. The purpose of sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Act is to amend this situation by bringing the benefits of the telecommunications revolution to all Americans, including those who face accessibility barriers to telecommunications products and services. The rules adopted by this Act will have an historic effect on the ability of Americans with disabilities to access and utilize telecommunications technologies and services.
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