Overview
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. It ensures that qualified individuals with disabilities have equal access to services, benefits, and opportunities.
Section 504 applies to a wide range of entities, including schools, universities, healthcare providers, social service organizations, and state and local government programs.
Key Protections
• Nondiscrimination
Individuals with disabilities may not be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any federally funded program or activity.
• Accessibility
Programs must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility, including accessible facilities, equipment, digital content, and services.
• Education
Students with disabilities are entitled to equal access to educational programs and activities, including appropriate accommodations for physical, learning, or other disabilities.
• Employment
Qualified employees and applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace and protection from discrimination.
Enforcement and Compliance
Section 504 is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies.
Summary
Section 504 is a foundational civil rights law that promotes equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. It requires federally funded programs to provide reasonable accommodations and ensures that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in education, employment, healthcare, and public services.
Lee County ADA/Section 504 Statement
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and related federal and state laws prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. These laws require public entities and recipients of federal funding to provide reasonable accommodations and ensure equal access to facilities, programs, services, and activities.
Lee County is committed to ensuring that all facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to everyone. The County also strives to include individuals with disabilities and disability advocacy groups in advisory committees, public involvement activities, and other community engagement efforts.
The County encourages members of the public to report any facility, program, service, or activity that may be inaccessible to individuals requiring accommodations.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To allow sufficient time to arrange accommodations, requests should be submitted at least five (5) business days in advance when possible.
Questions, concerns, comments, or requests for accommodation should be directed to the County's ADA Coordinator.
Dr. Ranice Monroe
239-533-0255
ADArequests@leegov.com
References