Which federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs receiving federal funding?

• A. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• B. ADA
• C. Rehabilitation Act
• D. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Answer: (C)

Discrimination against people with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding is addressed by a law that requires equal access and reasonable accommodations in any such program or activity. This statute, known as the Rehabilitation Act, specifically Section 504, prohibits treating someone with a disability differently and ensures they can participate fully in federally funded programs, such as public schools and government services. It laid the groundwork for broad disability rights protections and is the go-to rule when a federally funded program must be accessible and non-discriminatory. Other laws touch on related areas but have different focuses: IDEA centers on providing a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities within schools; the ADA broadens nondiscrimination protections to many public and private settings beyond those receiving federal funds; FERPA concerns privacy of student records rather than discrimination.