What is the connection between MGO 39.05 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance. Section 504 states that “no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under” any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance. MGO 39.05 is patterned after section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for city assisted programs. Many federal agencies have 504 regulations that include reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities; program accessibility; effective communication with people who have hearing or vision disabilities; and accessible new construction and alterations.
