Section 504

Section 504 refers to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination against disabled persons. Section 504 ensures that eligible students with a disability receive equal access to services that are provided to students without a disability, and it provides protection from discrimination due to the disability.

Section 504 defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

1. Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities,
2. Has a record of such impairment, or
3. Is regarded as having such an impairment.

A Section 504 Evaluation is a gathering of information from a variety of sources, including aptitude and achievement tests, teacher reports, discipline history, health information, parent information, academic history, and reports from outside providers, if available.

This is a written document outlining specific accommodations and/or related services that are necessary for the student to access services that are provided to students without disabilities. All accommodations that are approved by the Section 504 committee must be necessary due to the specific substantial limitations caused by the student’s documented disability.  Accommodations are intended to level the playing field and not to give an unfair advantage.

• Communicate with your child’s teacher, counselor or administrator.
• Study with your child at home. Pay close attention to your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Use the Home Access Center to monitor your child’s grades and assignments.