Which act prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating against hiring individuals with disabilities?

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, specifically Section 503, is the legislation that directly addresses the issue of discrimination against individuals with disabilities by federal contractors and subcontractors. This section mandates that these entities must take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. It aims to ensure equal opportunity in hiring practices and prohibits discrimination based on disability for those who are involved in federal contracts.

The act's intent is to enhance the employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and requires federal contractors to actively seek to hire these individuals, thereby promoting inclusivity within the workplace. By emphasizing affirmative action, Section 503 not only prohibits discrimination but also encourages the proactive employment of individuals who are often marginalized in the job market due to their disabilities.

Other acts, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, address broader discrimination issues but do not specifically focus on federal contracting contexts as Section 503 does. The Fair Employment Practices Act is concerned with employment practices at a more general level, and the Civil Rights Act covers a range of discrimination types but does not specifically focus on disabilities. Thus, among the choices presented, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act is the most accurate answer regarding federal contractors and subcontractors' obligations towards individuals with disabilities.