Which party is primarily affected by the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?

The provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are specifically designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. This legislation ensures that they are not discriminated against based on their disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, which includes most public schools and universities.

This section mandates that schools provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, which may involve accommodations and modifications to ensure that these individuals have equal access to educational opportunities. Consequently, the primary focus of these provisions is on the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their inclusion and access in educational settings.

Other groups mentioned, such as teachers, employees in commercial businesses, and government officials, might be impacted indirectly due to their roles in ensuring compliance with the law, but the core aim of Section 504 is to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.