The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal funding recipients (such as local governments) to make their programs and services accessible to people with disabilities. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law.  Title II is the part of the ADA which applies to state and local governments and contains the same basic prohibition on discrimination based on disability found in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

Additionally, in California, there are a number of laws that provide further protection for people with disabilities.  The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Gov. Code, § 12900 et seq.) is the state’s primary law prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation.  California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24, also known as the California Building Standards Code, addresses architectural barriers that limit access for people with disabilities in places of public accommodation.

The Sacramento County Disability Compliance Program is responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of these federal and state laws and regulations that protect the civil rights of persons with disabilities.  The Disability Compliance Office assists county departments in making all aspects of their programs and services accessible to people with disabilities.