Which law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal funds, and in employment practices of Federal contractors?

• A. Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• B. Family Medical Leave Act of 1993
• C. Architectural Barriers Act of 1968
• D. Americans with Disabilities Act

Answer: (A)

Nondiscrimination in federal programs and in federal employment is provided by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law specifically covers three related areas: it prohibits disability discrimination in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs that receive federal funding, and in the employment practices of federal contractors. The key parts are Section 501 for federal employment, Section 504 for programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, and Section 503 for employment by federal contractors. Together, these provisions ensure access, participation, and fair hiring practices for people with disabilities across federal operations, federal funding streams, and contractor work.

For comparison, the other laws don’t map as directly to all three areas described. The Family and Medical Leave Act deals with leave rights for medical and family reasons, not broad disability nondiscrimination. The Architectural Barriers Act focuses on making federal buildings accessible, not the broader program and employment protections. The Americans with Disabilities Act extends nondiscrimination more broadly, but the specific combination of federal agency programs, federally funded programs, and federal contractor employment protections is a hallmark of the Rehabilitation Act.