Section 504

Section 504 refers to a portion of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that a child with a disability has equal access to an education. The child may receive accommodations and modifications.

Under Section 504, a person may be considered disabled if the individual:

¨      Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities.

¨      Has a record of such an impairment.

¨      Is regarded as having such an impairment.

Major life activities include functions such as: caring for oneself, walking, seeing, speaking, learning, performing manual tasks, hearing, breathing, or working.

         This definition is very broad and inclusive. It also differs significantly from definitions provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, children between the ages of 3 and 22 years are eligible for services if they meet the criteria for one of the thirteen identified disabilities. Section 504 has no age limits and serves all disabilities.

A number of stakeholders are responsible for various aspects of planning for a student with a disability.  They are generally outlined below:

Student and parent

·        Involved suggestions accommodations  

·        Participate in meetings

·        Benefits from program

Building 504 Coordinators, school principals, Certified, and Classified Staff

·        Involved non-discriminatory practices in classrooms

·        Refer/identify/evaluate students

·        Encourage parent involvement

District 504 Coordinator

·        Coordinate Section 504/ADA procedures

·        Provide staff and parent training

·        Manage Section 504/ADA grievance procedures

Superintendent

·        Designate 504/ADA coordinator

·        Provide annual notice to parents/students

·        Provide continuing notice to students/employees

School Board

·        Establish policy on non-discrimination

·        Develop grievance procedure

·        Develop hearing procedure 

LINKS/RESOURCES

http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/download/pdf/504ParentGuide.pdf

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/504.pdf

           SCHOOL DISTRICT 27J 504 COORDINATORS