Legal Definitions - Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a law that says federal agencies, contractors who work for the government, and programs that get money from the government cannot discriminate against people with disabilities. Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of their disability. This law is also called the Rehab Act.

For example, if a person with a disability wants to work for a company that has a contract with the government, the company cannot say no just because of the person's disability. The company must make reasonable accommodations to help the person do their job.

The Rehab Act is like a smaller version of another law called the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a bigger law that protects people with disabilities in more places, like restaurants, hotels, and theaters. It also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for their employees with disabilities.

Both the Rehab Act and the ADA protect people with disabilities who cannot do certain things because of their disability. These laws say that employers and other places must make changes to help these people do what they need to do.