What significant right was granted to disabled individuals in 1973?

The significance of the right granted to disabled individuals in 1973 under the Rehabilitation Act primarily revolves around the principle of equal access. This landmark legislation was pivotal as it prohibited discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs and activities. The Act marked a crucial step toward recognizing the importance of accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities as everyone else in education, employment, and public services.

By establishing legal requirements for accessibility, the Rehabilitation Act laid the groundwork for further advancements in disability rights, including subsequent laws that expanded protections and ensured that disabled individuals could participate fully in society. This focus on equal access also set a precedent for later legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which further reinforced and expanded upon the principles established in the Rehabilitation Act.