What is Section 504?

Section 504 is the part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that applies to individuals with disabilities.  It helps protect the civil rights of persons with disabilities.  Section 504 is a nondiscrimination statue, prohibiting discrimination based on disability.

A student is entitled protection under the law to a Section 504 Accommodation Plan if they have been identified and the evaluation shows that the individual has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  This determination is made by a team of knowledgeable individuals.  This usually involves the school principal, classroom teacher(s), and other educators working with the child, who are familiar with the student and his/her disability.  Parents should also be included in the process.

Resources:

• Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504

• USBE Guidelines for Administrators and Educators for Implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

• Roles and Responsibilities of the Dept. of Education and the Office of Civil Rights

• What is the 504 Plan and Does my Student Qualify for one?

• Disability Classifications