The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, signed into law in the U.S., marked a significant advancement for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Most notably, Section 504 was the first federal civil rights provision to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial support. This legislation established a vital foundation for subsequent expansions in disability rights, fostering a more inclusive approach in policies and accommodations that would follow, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.