Section 504

Section 504 and special education (IDEA) are two separate service options for children with disabilities. All school districts should have a Section 504 Coordinator to answer questions about specific services available.

What Is “Appropriate Education” Under Section 504?

A free appropriate public education is one provided by the elementary or secondary school that includes general or special education and related aids and services that:

1. Are designed to meet the individual educational needs of an eligible student with a disability as adequately as the needs of a non-disabled student are met
2. Are based on adherence to evaluation, placement, and procedural safeguard requirements

Who Is Eligible Under Section 504?

Section 504 protects students from discrimination based on their disability status. A student is eligible for accommodations under Section 504 if the student has an intellectual or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities that impact education.

How Are Services Determined?

The determination of what accommodations are needed must be made by a group of people knowledgeable about both the student and the disability. This group typically includes the school principal, classroom teacher(s), and other educators working with the child. Parents should be included in the process.

The group reviews the nature of the disability and how it affects the student’s education. Decisions about eligibility and services should be documented in the student’s file and reviewed periodically.

What Does “Making Accommodations” Mean?

Accommodations are made by classroom teachers and other school staff to help students benefit from their educational program. In some cases, a written plan will be developed outlining the accommodations.

Accommodations must take into account both the functional limitations of the individual and alternative methods of performing tasks or activities — allowing full participation without jeopardizing the educational outcome.