Section 504 is a section in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. To qualify for protection under Section 504, a student must have a documented disability that substantially limits his/her learning or other major life activity (e.g. walking, talking, breathing, etc.).

 

Under Section 504 we are able to provide accommodations that “level the playing field” for a student with a disability.   We can offer accommodations such as altering the way material is presented to a student or altering the way a student is asked to respond, etc., but if the student requires specially designed instruction, then the student would need to be evaluated for special education services. The accommodations that are put in place must be directly related to the disability. Under Section 504 the curriculum and/or standards cannot be modified or changed. Also, pull-out services to a special education resource room cannot be provided.

 

There is a referral and eligibility process for Section 504. Referrals for 504 eligibility must be submitted to the school counselor at your child’s school. Depending on the documentation available, additional testing to confirm the disability and its impact on learning may be needed. If the student is found to be eligible, a 504 Plan is developed. The 504 Plan will specify the accommodations the student needs.