Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503) is a law that prohibits covered federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities and requires employers take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote and retain these individuals. Section 503 and its implementing regulations include an aspirational utilization goal of 7% to give these employers a yardstick against which they can measure the success of their efforts in outreach to and recruitment of individuals with disabilities.
Federal contractors and subcontractors are also subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). VEVRAA prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating against protected veterans in employment, including disabled veterans and requires that employers take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote and retain veterans.
Section 503 and VEVRAA are enforced by the department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). ODEP works closely with OFCCP to help federal contractors and subcontractors meet their requirements and disability utilization goals under Section 503 and their obligations under VEVRAA. ODEP’s Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN) also provides resources for federal contractors and subcontractors on Section 503.
Resources
- OFCCP website — Provides updated information on OFCCP activities, including Section 503 and VEVRAA guidelines, best practices and compliance assistance resources.
- Section 503 Best Practices for Federal Contractors — This resource provides strategies to help federal contractors meet their obligations under Section 503 and recruit, hire, retain and advance workers with disabilities.
For more resources, visit ODEP's Employers page.