Summary of Section 501 Rule, As Amended (2017), Requiring Affirmative Action for People With Disabilities in the Federal Government

This policy brief reviews the final rule that amended regulations implementing Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The final rule, which took effect on March 6, 2017, requires federal agencies to establish an affirmative action program (AAP) for the hiring, placement and advancement of people with disabilities. The brief covers what must be included in a federal AAP, defines terms such as “nondiscrimination” and ”model employer” and provides additional resources that help agencies develop effective AAPs that support the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities.