Remembering Section 504

First things first: I’m back. After taking time for reflection and renewal during the Lent season, I am energized and ready to dive back into the fight. As I shared in Confessions from Disability Limbo, life is a series of “limbo” moments, but we don’t have to stay stuck. We move forward.

Today, we need to talk about the bedrock of our rights. While many know the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we cannot forget its predecessor: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Section 504 was the first federal civil rights protection for us. It essentially says that if an entity gets federal money, it cannot shut us out. It’s why we have access to schools, hospitals, and community programs today.

There is exciting news close to home. Lawmakers in Delaware are taking a massive stand by introducing legislation (like Senate Bill 198) to codify Section 504 protections directly into state law. Why does this matter? Because federal protections can sometimes feel like they’re on shifting sand. By putting these rights into state code, Delaware is ensuring that no matter what happens in Washington, disabled Delawareans have broad, enforceable protections for equal access. Perhaps our wonderful Garden State would consider such an initiative.

We have to stay vigilant. There are currently several states renewing attacks on Section 504’s “integration mandate”—the very rule that keeps us out of institutions and in our communities.

Section 504 isn’t just a “legal thing”—it’s about our dignity and our right to be “equal and contributing members of society”. Let’s keep building that stronger future together.

Stay tuned for the next podcast episode! Keep on rolling. Keep on living