The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that aims to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding. This law was a significant step toward ensuring equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in various areas, including education and employment. One of the key components of the act is Section 504, which mandates that no qualified individual with a disability can be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This provision laid the groundwork for further disability rights legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.