Section 504

Every student with a disability is protected from discrimination under federal law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Section 504 requires that schools provide a full range of special accommodations/services so that students may participate and benefit from public education programs and activities. Students may be considered disabled under 504 even though they may not require Special Education services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). 

What is a Disability under Section 504?

Section 504 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities. This definition of disability should be interpreted broadly. Major life activities are activities that are important to most people’s daily lives. Caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, eating, sleeping, standing, bending, reading, concentrating, thinking, and communicating are some examples of major life activities. Major life activities also include major bodily functions, such as functions of the digestive, bowel, bladder, brain, circulatory, reproductive, neurological, or respiratory systems. Substantially limits should also be interpreted broadly. A student’s impairment does not need to prevent, or severely or significantly restrict, a major life activity to be substantially limiting.

How Do I Get Accommodations for My Child? 

Public schools must provide appropriate accommodations, aids, and services to eligible students who need these accommodations to participate in, and benefit from, their education. This includes all programs and activities sponsored by the school, such as sports and field trips. These accommodations, aids, and services are described in a 504 plan. Students who are entitled to a 504 plan (1) have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, and (2) need accommodations, aids, or services, because of their disability, so they can access and benefit from their education.

If you are concerned that a student has a disability that may require school-based accommodations, you may need to request a 504 assessment for a possible 504 plan. Please contact your child's homeroom teacher or school principal.

For more information about accommodations and services available, please contact our office.