Section 504

What is Section 504?

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. It is an anti-discrimination civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met. Under Section 504, a student with a disability is defined as one who: has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Students who are eligible for a 504 plan may receive accommodations in the classroom that allow for learning equal to that of their nondisabled peers.

Note: Only students who actually have a current impairment may be eligible for accommodations. Those meeting the other two criteria are protected from discrimination. 

Please see the parent brochure linked below for more detailed information and answered to many of your questions.