Section 504 / Students with Disabilities
What is Section 504?
“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 English
- 504 Parent Booklet in Spanish
- 504 Parent Booklet in Chinese
- 504 Parent Booklet in Vietnamese
- 504 Parent Booklet in Cambodian
- 504 Parent Booklet in Arabic
Frequently Asked Questions about Section 504
- What is a "major life activity?"
- What are some examples of disabilities that might substantially limit a major life activity?
- Who decides if a student meets the criteria under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
- What are examples of assistance that can be provided in a Section 504 plan?
- What rights do parents/guardians have under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?
- How is a Section 504 complaint made?
- Where can I obtain further information or assistance?