Which 1984 legislation aimed to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is the landmark legislation that aimed to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities. It was designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else in areas such as employment, public services, transportation, and public accommodations. The ADA prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations to be provided in various settings to enable full participation in society.

While the Rehabilitation Act and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act also contributed to the rights of people with disabilities, they were earlier pieces of legislation with more specific focuses. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 primarily addressed vocational rehabilitation and prohibited discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, passed in 1975, focused specifically on ensuring children with disabilities had access to free and appropriate public education. The Fair Housing Act, meanwhile, addresses discrimination in housing but does not encompass the broader range of rights protected by the ADA.

Thus, the Americans with Disabilities Act is the correct answer as it is the legislation with the most comprehensive protections and is widely recognized as a significant advancement in the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.