Section 504 Information
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
"This law protects people with disabilities from discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal funding. Students with disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity such as learning, working, hearing, speaking, etc. may require an individual accommodation plan or specific services to ensure access to education and school sponsored activities." ~ Vermont Department of Education website
Purpose: "No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the U.S. ...shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." - Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 IS: Federal Law - civil rights legislation; protection from discrimination; applicable to programs receiving Federal funds.
Section 504 IS NOT: IDEA; state enforced; funded - comes with no funds attached.
Who is protected?
- People with temporary or permanent disabilities i.e.: emotional or mental illness conditions, physiological conditions, anatomical losses, or disabilities regarding learning (ADD, etc.)
- Conditions that substantially limit a major life activity such as: walking, seeing, breathing, hearing, speaking, working, or learning - compared with the average population.
504 applies to equal opportunity to participate in academics and non-academics. A student who is impaired but succeeding does not need a plan.
What does this mean for students?
- A team process involving people knowledgeable about the student and the disability
- Accommodations to access education
- An individualized plan
- Plans that are revisited periodically
- Academic and non-academic protections
- Parents Rights
- Advance planning for upcoming situations, such as field trips, etc.
What does this mean for staff?
- A forum to strategize and develop plans for helping students
- Specific expertise
- Accommodations, related aids, and services
- Prior planning for field trips and non-academics
- Individualized 504 plans
- Periodic review of effectiveness in accessing education
