504 Services

504 Services

Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to:

1. have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or

2. have a record of such an impairment; or

3. be regarded as having such an impairment.     

Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Each district is responsible for designating a coordinator to oversee the adherence to these federal regulations who will:

• Coordinate compliance with Section 504 by monitoring the implementation of established procedures and board policy,
• Provide appropriate and ongoing training and support to school level staff in an effort to prevent noncompliance,
• Investigate complaints alleging violations of Section 504 discrimination based on disability and disability harassment.