Is Your Child Being Left Out of Field Trips?
Have you ever been told that your child couldn’t go on a school field trip because of their behavior or disability? One parent was told her son couldn’t go to the zoo unless she or her husband went too. Another parent was told her daughter couldn’t go to the swimming pool with her class just because she had a disability. If something like this has happened to your family, you’re not alone and it’s important to know that this may violate your child’s rights.
Let’s discuss Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and what it means for students with disabilities and school field trips.
What Is Section 504?
Section 504 is a civil rights law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination in schools that receive federal funding. That includes all public schools.
- According to Section 504 regulations (34 CFR 104.34), schools must make sure that students with disabilities are included in both academic and non-academic activities, in the same settings as students without disabilities. This includes activities like field trips, assemblies, clubs, and after-school programs.
What Does This Mean for Field Trips?
Field trips are part of the school program, and students with disabilities have the right to be included. Section 504 says schools should assume your child will participate, just like any other student. If the school thinks your child shouldn’t go, they must:
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- Look at your child’s situation individually, not just assume based on the disability.
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- Prove there’s a real reason why the child can’t go, such as a serious safety concern that can’t be managed with supports.
Here are some examples of rule violations that still happen today:
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- Only sending field trip permission slips home with general education students, not with students in special education classrooms.
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- Saying a child can’t go on a trip because of behavior challenges without offering supports or accommodations.
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- Refusing to let a student join a field trip unless the parent comes too, when other parents aren’t required. Schools cannot require parents of students with disabilities to go on field trips unless all parents are required to do the same. That means if parents of students without disabilities aren’t being asked to attend, the school can’t make it a condition for your child with a disability.
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- In one case, Rim of the World (CA) Unified School District, a student who used Braille was told she couldn’t go on a field trip unless a family member came too—even though her Braille assistant was available to support her. This violated Section 504 because other parents weren’t required to attend, and the school placed an unfair burden only on her family. (38 IDELR 101, OCR 2002)
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- Refusing to let a student join a field trip unless the parent comes too, when other parents aren’t required. Schools cannot require parents of students with disabilities to go on field trips unless all parents are required to do the same. That means if parents of students without disabilities aren’t being asked to attend, the school can’t make it a condition for your child with a disability.
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- Skipping students with disabilities when planning fun or learning experiences off-campus.
Schools Must Provide Support
If your child needs extra support to participate in a field trip, such as help with behavior, health needs, or other accommodations, the school can work with you to make sure those supports are in place. This might include things like:
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- Making sure a nurse or aide goes on the trip
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- Adjusting the schedule to meet medical needs
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- Having a behavior plan in place
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes—but they are rare. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has said a school may exclude a student with a disability only after looking at the facts carefully and only if there is a serious health or safety risk that can’t be managed with accommodations.
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- For example, if a child is having multiple seizures on the morning of a trip, it might not be safe for them to go that day. North Hunterdon (MD) Pub. Sch. Sys., 25 IDELR 165 (OCR 1996). Even in those cases, the school should talk with the parent, explain the decision, and discuss how to include the student in a similar experience later on.
What Can Parents Do?
Field trips are an important part of school life. Section 504 says your child has a right to be included.
Here’s how you can help make sure that happens:
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- Talk with the school early—meet with the 504 coordinator, vice principal, or principal at the beginning of the year.
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- Ask how your child will be included in field trips.
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- Work with the school to plan ahead for any supports your child might need.
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- If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, ask to have field trip accommodations written into it.
Your child deserves to learn, grow, and have fun alongside their peers. Field trips are more than just fun; they’re part of the educational experience, and your child has the right to be included. If you’re ever told your child can’t go on a field trip because of their disability, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are your child’s best advocate.
RESOURCES
Dear Colleague Letter: Extracurricular Activities
Department of Education: Disability Equal Access
