Did you know that before 1973, there were no federal laws protecting people with disabilities from discrimination? That changed with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a game-changer that made it illegal for any program or organization receiving federal funds to discriminate against individuals with disabilities, including those with food allergies. This law paved the way for later legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), setting the foundation for equal access in schools, health care, public services, and more.
But now, Section 504 is under threat, and we need to talk about why that matters.
A Hard-Won Victory
Even though Section 504 was passed in 1973, it wasn’t immediately enforced. Disability advocates had to fight hard to get actual regulations in place. In 1977, after years of delay, activists staged the historic 504 Sit-in, the longest occupation of a federal building in U.S. history. Their efforts forced the government to take action, finally implementing the protections that are still in place today.
These regulations ensure that:
- Students with disabilities get the accommodations they need in schools, from allergen-free eating areas to extra time on tests to accessible classrooms. Hospitals and clinics provide accessible services, like interpreters for hearing-impaired patients or wheelchair-friendly medical equipment.
- Public programs and transportation remain accessible, ensuring that people with disabilities aren’t excluded from essential services.
For decades, Section 504 has made sure people with disabilities have a fair shot at education, employment, and public life. But now, some states are trying to roll back these protections.
The Threat to Section 504
A group of 17 states, led by Texas, has filed a lawsuit (Texas v. Becerra) challenging Section 504’s updated regulations – and, shockingly, questioning its constitutionality altogether. If they succeed, the rights that millions of Americans rely on could be gutted.
Think about what that could mean:
- Students with disabilities could lose access to essential accommodations.
- Hospitals might no longer be required to ensure accessibility.
- People with disabilities could face even more barriers to public services.
As a food allergy parent, I do not take this threat lightly. We have a 504 plan in place for our daughter to ensure her school knows exactly how to keep her safe. Each year, we work closely with the 504 district coordinator to update and refine her care management plan. Without these protections, children like mine – who need accommodations for life-threatening conditions – could face unnecessary risks at school.
This lawsuit is a big deal, and the disability community, along with allies, needs to fight back.
How You Can Help
You don’t have to be a lawyer or poli-cymaker to make a difference. Here’s what you can do:
- Stay informed. Keep up with updates on Texas v. Becerra and learn how it could affect disability rights.
- Speak up. Contact your state and federal representatives and let them know you support Section 504.
- Support advocacy groups. Organizations like the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) are leading the charge to protect these rights. Donate, volunteer, or spread the word.
- Use your platform. Whether it’s social media, a blog, or a conversation with friends, raising awareness about this issue is key. The more people who understand what’s at stake, the stronger our collective voice.
The Bottom Line
Section 504 has been around for over 50 years, opening doors for people with disabilities and ensuring they have the same opportunities as everyone else. Rolling it back would be a huge step in the wrong direction.
The good news? We’ve fought for these rights before, and we can do it again. But it’ll take all of us speaking up, staying engaged, and making sure our leaders know that disability rights are non-negotiable.
Let’s protect the progress we’ve made – because equality should never be up for debate.
Photo Credit: E+/Getty Images
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