The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (The Rehab Act), as revised multiple times in various years, prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors.
This year marks 50 years since the passing of this landmark legislation on September 26, 1973 — and ACL acknowledges that much work remains to fully achieve its vision. To help us share information, we've created a webpage with upcoming events — including our two-part webinar series highlighted below — and other information to help our networks observe this important milestone.
ACL's Webinar Series
ACL is pleased to host a webinar series about the past, present, and future of independent living, as we commemorate 50 years since the signing of the Rehab Act, which created both the Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living programs and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
The first webinar will focus on the origins, evolution and current-day implications of the Rehab Act by highlighting the stories of key leaders who took part in the advocacy and direct actions that made its passage possible. The second webinar will envision the future of the independent living movement by understanding the work of the next generation of youth and young leaders and how their voices and experiences are shaping its future.
Part 1: "Origins, Evolution, & Current Day"
Wednesday, September 27, 3:30 PM ET
Register for Part 1
Part 2: "Our Future — Youth and Young Adult Engagement and Involvement in Disability Advocacy"
Thursday, September 28, 4:00 PM ET
Register for Part 2
DETAC Webinar
The ACL-funded Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) will kick off the celebration of this important commemoration with a special webinar, "Commemorating the Rehabilitation Act: The Power of Independent Living & Employment," on Tuesday, September 19, at 3:00 PM ET.