What does the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit?

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a crucial piece of legislation that specifically focuses on addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The primary goal of the Act is to ensure that individuals with physical or mental disabilities are afforded the same opportunities as those without disabilities, especially in the context of employment and the provision of programs and services.

By prohibiting discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability, the Rehabilitation Act seeks to create a more equitable environment for people with disabilities, allowing them access to the workplace, educational programs, and other services. This legislative framework lays the groundwork for later laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which further expand protections for individuals with disabilities.

The other answer options pertain to different forms of discrimination not covered under the Rehabilitation Act. Discrimination against older workers is typically addressed under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), while job performance issues fall under the realm of workplace performance assessments, and union participation is related to labor rights, not specifically disability-related discrimination.