§504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)

What is Section 504?         Notice of Procedural Safeguards        Links and Resources

Section 504 the the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects students with disabilities from discrimination. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to “have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”  Substantial limitation is defined as persisting longer than six months and impacting the student in a significant way in comparison with the norm (not taking into account mitigating measures, except glasses). 

The purpose of 504 is to ensure non-discrimination and provide a Free And Appropriate Education (FAPE).  This can include annually reviewing 504 plans, offering parental rights, collecting parental consent for initial placement, holding periodic 3 year re-evaluation, and manifestation determination hearings for disciplinary placement in excess of 10 days. We also build plans of accommodation.

Plans of accommodation are adjustments that remove barriers and ensure access to instruction/ assessment for students with disabilities, specific to the disability.  Accommodations do not change what is learned or provide direct instruction.  Some accommodation plans may include environmental adaptations to standardized tests (SAT, AP, ACT, etc). 

For more information, please contact School Counseling. Additional 504 resources can be found on our district’s website and from ED.gov.