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.

The Act also requires the application of affirmative action programs to disabled individuals.

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.

An individual must still be able to perform the core responsibilities of the position. The federal employer must also make reasonable accommodations for the employee’s disability.