What does Section 504 prohibit?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. This includes not only educational institutions but also a wide array of other programs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to services and benefits.

The essence of Section 504 is to provide accommodations and support to prevent discrimination against individuals based on their disability. This means that schools and other federally funded entities must make reasonable modifications to their programs to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate on an equal basis with their peers.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary focus of Section 504. For instance, while funding for private schools or support for special education are relevant topics, they are not the specific prohibition that Section 504 addresses. Additionally, exclusion of students from school is more directly connected to other laws and policies; Section 504's main aim is about preventing discrimination in access to existing programs rather than outright exclusion. Thus, the prohibition of discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs encapsulates the core function of Section 504.