Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The act covers persons employed by, or seeking employment from, federal departments and agencies or businesses performing federal contract work in excess of $2,500. Recipients of federal assistance are also protected from discrimination based on any mental or physical disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Section 503 of the Act applies to private industry and Section 504 applies to institutions receiving federal grants. Discrimination in employment is prohibited in all terms and conditions of employment, which certainly includes compensation. 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.
The act is enforced by the OFCCP, which requires covered employers to utilize affirmative action to employ and advance qualified disabled individuals. The act also requires employers “to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified, handicapped applicant, employee or participant.” Further, the act requires the elimination of physical barriers, to ensure that the “facility is readily accessible to and usable by qualified handicapped individuals.”
