- Section 504 is the part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which applies to individuals with disabilities. Section 504 is a civil rights act which protects the civil and constitutional rights of individuals with disabilities.
Section 504 states that no individual with a disability can be excluded from or denied benefits of any program receiving federal financial assistance.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protects individuals from discrimination based upon their disability status. An individual is disabled within the definition of Section 504 if he or she:
Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more of an individual's major life activities; the impairment must impact the child's education.
"Major life activities" includes functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. When a condition does not substantially limit a major life activity, the individual does not qualify under Section 504.
- A free appropriate public education is one provided by the public education system which includes general education and related services that (1) are designed to meet the individual educational needs of an individual with a disability as adequately as the needs of a non-disabled individual are met, and (2) are based upon adherence to evaluation, placement, and procedural safeguard requirements.
- Section 504 covers a wide range of children with disabilities. The definition of disability under Section 504 includes children who have a physical or mental disability which substantially limits one or more of life's major activities and impacts education.
In Cheyenne Mountain School District, any concerns regarding a student's progress begin at the Response to Intervention (RtI) team meeting. Data is gathered and interventions are implemented regarding the areas of concern. The staff monitors progress to ensure the student is responding to the RTI plan. If the team feels that specific accommodations are necessary, it might consider a Section 504 Plan. The decision to develop a Section 504 Plan is a team decision with parent involvement and notification.
- Accommodations are adjustments made by the classroom teacher(s) and other school staff to help children benefit from the local educational program. In some cases a plan should be developed outlining services and accommodations.
Examples of Accommodations:
- Modify assignments and tests.
- Use study guides, organizing tools.
- Modify recess/PE
- Provide an extra set of textbooks for home.
- Preferential seating