Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that protects students from disability discrimination. It applies to public schools, as well as any college, trade school, or private school that receives federal funding.
Who It Covers
Section 504 covers students of all ages who have a physical or mental disability that substantially limits a major life activity. This includes activities such as:
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Reading
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Learning
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Concentrating
Rights and Protections
People with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations that provide equal access to learning and school activities. While schools are not required to change their programs, they must ensure they are accessible.
Public K-12 schools may provide a written 504 plan when a disability interferes with a student’s ability to learn the general education curriculum.
What a 504 Plan May Include
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodations | Changes in the classroom to how the child learns the curriculum. | Extra time on tests, seating near the front of the class. |
| Assistive Technology | Tools that help the child work around barriers to learning. | Calculators, keyboards, graphic organizers. |
| School Services | Services that help the child get access to general education. | Speech therapy, transportation. |