Which section of the Rehabilitation Act protects individuals with disabilities against discrimination?

The correct answer is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which plays a crucial role in protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. This section mandates that no qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of that disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.

Section 504 is significant because it requires accommodations and accessibility measures, ensuring equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in educational institutions, employment settings, and other federally funded programs. It sets the foundation for other acts and regulations that further extend protections for individuals with disabilities, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The other sections mentioned address various aspects of the Rehabilitation Act and related issues but do not focus specifically on the discrimination protections that Section 504 provides. Section 503 pertains to affirmative action for individuals with disabilities in federal contracting, Section 505 relates to the procedures for the enforcement of rights, and Section 506 deals with the establishment of a National Council on Disabilities.