Which law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in providing any aid, benefit, or service, either directly or through contractual arrangements?

• A. FERPA
• B. IDEA
• C. ADA
• D. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Answer: (D)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance, including when a person is denied or not provided a benefit or service, even if that service is delivered through a contract or arrangement with another provider. This means schools or programs funded with federal money must ensure people with disabilities have equal access to all aid, services, and benefits, whether provided directly or via contracted services.

FERPA is about protecting the privacy of education records, not discrimination in services. IDEA focuses on free appropriate public education for eligible students with disabilities and is tied to special education services rather than all programs receiving federal funds. The ADA covers disability discrimination in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, and some other areas, but the contract-based provision language is most characteristic of Section 504’s coverage in education.