What prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in federally funded programs?

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the correct answer because it specifically prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. One of its primary provisions, known as Section 504, ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to programs, activities, and services funded by federal dollars. This act laid the groundwork for the protection of individuals with disabilities across a range of sectors, including education, employment, healthcare, and housing, by mandating that any organization or program receiving federal funding cannot discriminate against qualified individuals based on their disability status.

While the Fair Housing Act does address discrimination in housing based on disability, its main focus is on the housing sector specifically, rather than federally funded programs overall. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects individuals with disabilities but primarily applies to public accommodations and employment, not directly to federally funded programs. The Disability Equality Act is not a recognized federal law in the United States, making it inapplicable in this context. Thus, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 stands out as the foundational law regarding discrimination in federally funded programs.