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Section 504 / Students with Disabilities
“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability...shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Section 504 is a civil rights law. To meet the criteria for Section 504 protections, a child must:
- have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
- have a record of such impairment, or
- be regarded as having such impairment.
Under Section 504, a plan may be developed to assist students with disabilities that require accommodations in order to access the general education program.
Please use the links below to download a brief booklet for parents about Section 504 policies.- 504 Parent Booklet in Vietnamese
- 504 Parent Booklet in Arabic
What is a "major life activity?"
Major life activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks.
What are some examples of disabilities that might substantially limit a major life activity?
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Cancer
- Chronic Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Physical disabilities
- Seizure Disorder
- Severe Allergies
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Temporary disabilities
Who decides if a student meets the criteria under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
The school's Section 504 team conducts an evaluation to determine if the student meets the criteria as disabled under federal law. The team determines if the student's disability/physical or mental impairment substantially limits a major life activity.
What are examples of assistance that can be provided in a Section 504 plan?
- Seating in the front of the class
- Creating a behavior support plan
- Testing accommodations
- Alternative formats of classroom materials
- Providing additional time for homework assignments
What rights do parents/guardians have under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?
- Written notification of any decisions concerning the identification, evaluation, and/or accommodations
- Information needed to appeal any such decisions; and
- examination of relevant records
How is a Section 504 complaint made?
A written Section 504 complaint that involves the following may be referred to the site administrator and/or Section 504 designee:
- Disagreement with decision or action taken or not taken in regard to a student's Section 504 evaluation or plan and/or
- Discrimination/harassment that is based on a student's actual or perceived disability.
Please note that discrimination/harassment complaints must be filed within six months from the date that the last incident(s) occurred. Local school site resolutions are encouraged. However, if the complaint cannot be resolved, a written complaint may be filed with the District 504 Coordinator.
If you wish to file a complaint, you may also contact Gabriel Valenzuela, Ombudsperson, to obtain a copy of the Uniform Complaint Procedures. Complaint forms are also available on the district’s webpage under Departments, Office of the Ombudsperson. The Office of the Ombudsperson is located at 1000 Broadway, Suite 150, Oakland, CA 94607. The telephone number is (510) 879-3667, fax (510) 879-3678, and you can email the Ombudsperson at: gabriel.valenzuela@ousd.org.
Where can I obtain further information or assistance?
Ask for more information at your child’s school site, or contact:
Paris Pryor
Health Services Coordinator/District 504 Coordinator
954 54th St. Oakland, CA 94608
504@ousd.org
(510) 879-2742
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Justin Anderson
Health Services Director/District 504 Program Oversight
954 54th St. Oakland, CA 94608
504@ousd.org
Please click here for Section 504 information in Spanish.
Please click here for Section 504 information in Chinese.
Please click here for Section 504 information in Vietnamese.