Which legislation first addressed discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment?

The Rehabilitation Act is pivotal in the history of disability rights, as it was one of the first pieces of legislation to specifically address discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment. More particularly, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, which was revolutionary at the time. This act laid the groundwork for further advancements in the rights of individuals with disabilities, culminating in later laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Understanding the context of this legislation is also critical. The Fair Labor Standards Act primarily focuses on minimum wage and overtime pay rather than discrimination based on disability. The Workforce Investment Act centers on workforce development and does not specifically tackle disabilities in the same way. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act significantly expanded protections, it came later and built upon the foundation established by the Rehabilitation Act. Thus, the Rehabilitation Act serves as a cornerstone in the legislative history surrounding the rights of individuals with disabilities in employment settings.