Under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, federal contractors and subcontractors—those who do business with the federal government—are prohibited from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities. Section 503 also requires many of these employers to take proactive steps to recruit, hire, retain, and advance qualified people with disabilities. Section 503 is enforced by the department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), and ODEP works closely with OFCCP to help federal contractors meet their requirements and disability inclusion goals under this regulation.
Excellence in Disability Inclusion Award
To recognize federal contractors that excel in meeting their responsibilities under Section 503 and exemplify the spirit of disability inclusion, OFCCP and ODEP established the Excellence in Disability Inclusion (EDI) Award. Interested federal contractors should visit the EDI Award website to learn more.
Resources
- OFCCP website — Provides updated information on OFCCP activities, including the Section 503 rulemaking process.
- Compliance Assistance — Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended — Provides access to Section 503 and its regulations.
- The New Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act Regulations — OFCCP overview of Section 503 regulations.
- Framework for Designing and Implementing Accessible Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Strategic Plans (PDF) — This report provides a framework that can be used to develop technical assistance tools to help employers (including government contractors) design, purchase, lease, maintain and use ICT that is accessible to and usable by people with disabilities and others.
- Disability Nondiscrimination Law eLaws Advisor — Helps employers determine whether federal disability nondiscrimination laws and regulations, including Section 503, apply to their business or organization.
- Federal Contractor Compliance elaws Advisor — Helps federal contractors and subcontractors understand basic coverage and compliance information on all OFCCP laws and regulations, including Section 503.
- Guide for Small Businesses with Federal Contracts — Offers guidance specifically for small business federal contractors or subcontractors on how to comply with OFCCP laws and regulations, including Section 503.
For more resources for employers, visit ODEP's Employers page.