Section 504 — Federally Funded Programs
Ensuring nondiscrimination in every program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits disability discrimination by any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes hospitals, schools, public transit systems, social service agencies, and any other entity that accepts federal funds. Section 504 provides both injunctive relief and compensatory damages.
Available from all four offices: San Juan, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston.
Covered Entities
Section 504 applies to any entity receiving federal financial assistance, including:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid
- Schools and universities receiving federal education funding
- Public transit systems receiving federal transportation funds
- Social service agencies receiving federal grants
- Research institutions receiving federal funding
Protections Provided
Section 504 requires covered entities to provide equal access to services and programs, make reasonable accommodations, ensure physical accessibility, and not exclude individuals on the basis of disability. The standard mirrors ADA Title II and provides for compensatory damages in addition to injunctive relief.