504 Information
Section 504 accommodations, eligibility, and family rights.
What Is Section 504?
Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including public school districts. Under Section 504, students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as learning, concentrating, reading, communicating, or self-care) are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) with reasonable accommodations, regardless of the severity of their disability.
Section 504 differs from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While IDEA provides specially designed instruction to eligible students, Section 504 focuses on removing barriers and providing accommodations so students can access the same educational opportunities as their peers.
Who Is Eligible?
A student may qualify for a 504 Plan if they:
- Have a documented physical or mental impairment, and
- That impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities, and
- Need accommodations to access their education on an equal basis with peers.
Examples of conditions that may qualify include ADHD, diabetes, asthma, food allergies, anxiety, and other chronic health, physical, or mental health conditions.
The Referral and Evaluation Process
- Referral — Any parent, teacher, or staff member may refer a student for a 504 evaluation if they suspect a disability is impacting the student's access to education.
- Evaluation — The district gathers relevant data (e.g., medical documentation, teacher observations, grades, and testing) to determine eligibility. No single measure determines eligibility.
- Eligibility Determination — A team of knowledgeable individuals, including the parent/guardian, reviews the data and decides whether the student qualifies.
- 504 Plan Development — If eligible, the team creates a written plan outlining specific accommodations, services, and supports.
- Implementation and Review — Staff implement the plan, and the team reviews it periodically (typically annually) to ensure it remains appropriate.
Parent and Student Rights (Procedural Safeguards)
Parents/guardians have the right to:
- Receive notice before evaluation, identification, or placement decisions
- Review their child's educational records
- Participate in eligibility and planning meetings
- Request an independent evaluation
- File a grievance or request a due process hearing if they disagree with a district decision
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
District 504 Coordinator
Each school and the district designate a 504 Coordinator responsible for overseeing compliance, coordinating evaluations, and answering questions from families.
This page is for general informational purposes. For specific questions about your child's eligibility or rights, please contact your school directly.