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SECTION 504 OF
THE REHABILITATION
ACT OF 1973

-A Primer for Parents-


What is
Section 504?

 

Section 504 is a portion of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 outlining the civil rights of persons with disabilities. Section 504 covers preschool, elementary and secondary school policies involving placement of children with physical and mental disabilities. This legislation states:

"No person with a disability can be excluded from or denied benefits of any program receiving federal financial assistance."

Every school district must have a Section 504 Coordinator to help the schools meet the requirements of this act, to answer questions and to ensure that there is an ongoing program to accommodate special student needs.

 

What is
the relationship between
Section 504
and special education?

They are two separate services. Although some students may be involved in both, they are administered separately. Section 504 falls under the management responsibility of the general education program.

How is
"disability" defined under
Section 504?

A person is disabled if he or she "has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities. These include caring for oneself, 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.
 

How are
students with
disabilities identified?

To determine eligibility for Section 504 services, a student must be evaluated by a team of school district specialists familiar with your child. Parents are welcome to be part of the evaluation process whenever possible. The results of the evaluation are then documented in the student's file and reviewed periodically.
 

What kinds
of disabilities does the school
district consider?

School staff should consider the possibility of Section 504 protection for students with the following diagnoses: HIV positive, Tourette's syndrome, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), heart malfunctions, communicable diseases, urinary conditions, blood disorders, allergies, respiratory conditions, blood sugar disorders, pregnancy, epilepsy, cancer, repetitive motion syndrome, birth defects, tuberculosis, etc.
 

What services are available
for students
identified under Section 504?

Although originally interpreted as merely ensuring physical access to public buildings, this legislation is now interpreted more broadly. Adjustments in academic requirements and expectations may be necessary to enable students to participate in the general education program. Students may well be entitled to these adjustments even if they do not fall into a disabilities category covered by special education.
 

Common Accommodations Include:

Modified assignments or tests
Extra textbooks for use at home
Adjusted student seating
Provision of study guides or
organization tools
Counseling
Peer Tutors or helpers
Modified recess/PE
Adjustments of policies to permit
personal administration of
medications
Avoidance of allergens
Bus transportation

Who decides
which accommodations might be appropriate for my child?

A group of persons knowledgeable about the student (including parents whenever possible) reviews the nature of the disability and how it reviews the nature of the disability and how it affects the student's education.  You, your child's classroom teacher, the school's principal or D-11's Section 504 Coordinator may initiate this process.  An appropriate education for students eligible under Section 504 may consist of education in general classes with accommodations designed to meet unique needs of that student.

Accommodations must take into account both the functional limitations of the student and alternative methods of performing tasks or activities without jeopardizing outcomes.
 

The Accommodations Must:

Be individualized
 

Be designed to ensure that the
needs of the person with the
disability are met to the same
degree as persons without disabilities
 

Involve modifications with in the school
or classroom
 

Place the student with a disability
at an equal starting level as a
non-disabled student

The school may develop a written plan describing accommodations and services, if the evaluation team determines that this is advisable.  It is not required, however.
 

Where do I go if I have
questions or concerns
about my child and Section 504?

You may contact District 11's Section 504 coordinator at any time.  The Coordinator's role is to assist schools in meeting Section 504 requirements, to provide resources, to solve problems and to help educators and administrators ensure an ongoing program responsive to student needs. District 11's coordinator is:

Marvin R. Adams, Sr., Director
Equal Opportunity Programs
and Ombudservices
1115 N. El Paso Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-520-2271
Fax: 719-520-2442
e-mail:
ADAMSMR@d11.org

If you'd like a copy of the physical brochure, contact the EO office at the above numbers and address.


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