Which of the following was the first major legislation that specifically protected workers with disabilities?

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first major piece of legislation that specifically protected the rights of workers with disabilities. This act was groundbreaking in that it prohibited discrimination based on disability in federal programs and activities, including employment. Section 501 of the act specifically addressed employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federal government jobs, marking a significant step toward promoting equal employment opportunities.

In addition to protecting workers in federal employment, the act laid the groundwork for further legislation focused on disability rights, influencing later laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While the ADA extended protections to a wider range of public and private sector jobs, the Rehabilitation Act was the first to establish those rights, setting a precedent for ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

The other options listed, such as the ADA and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, came later and built upon the foundation established by the Rehabilitation Act. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act also focuses on workforce development but does not specifically target disability rights in the way the Rehabilitation Act does.