SECTION 504:
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 guarantees that a child with a disability receives an education that is comparable to an education provided to those who do not have a disability. Since it is a civil rights law, and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is an educational law, a child who receives services under Section 504 does not benifit from the mandates that a child who receives special education services under IDEA.

Modifications and accomodations usually refer to improving building accessibility, classroom accommodations and curriculum modifications.

“No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall solely, by reason of his handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance (this would include public schools).”

A child with a disability is one who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities. Major life activities include: Caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.

Examples of Disabilities that Fall Under Section 504 instead of IDEA:

Children with a normal ability to learn academically, but who have a mobility impairment, use a wheelchair, have a neurological disorder, or are missing a limb.

Children with a normal ability to learn academically but who have a medical condition such as epilepsy, hemophilia, diabetes, AIDS, arthritis, allergies, asthma, tuberculosis, cancer, spinal bifida and cerebral palsy.

A child who has frequent referrals for behavioral problems or is under a doctor’s care for a psychological condition such as anxiety or depression.

If the team determines that the child qualifies for accommodations or modifications, the team is responsible for writing a formal plan.

REMEMBER: A child can qualify for services only IF the disability is shown to substantially limit his or her's educational performance.

A 504 Plan should:

Specify how the modifications or accommodations will be provided and by whom.

Name the person who will be responsible for ensuring that all components of the plan are implemented (case manager).

Be distributed to all of the child’s teachers, specialists, and support staff.

Be placed in the child’s cumulative file.

Susan is in a wheelchair. She will be given extra time to get to her classes without being considered tardy or receiving consequences for being late. She will be assigned a specific seating area in the class to accomodate her chair.

Austin has diabetes. Twice a day, he will go to the nurses office in order to check his glucose levels. He will be allowed snacks at times other than lunch if necessary.

Kyle has ADHD. He will be given preferential seating in the front of the class, given extra time on writing and homework assignments and his progress will be monitored by a weekly progress report.

State the child's disability and the resulting problem

Identify the accommodation or modification that will be used to address the problem

Indicate who will be responsible for implementing the modification or accommodation.

Indicate the contact person at the school who will be the case manager for the plan. This is often a counselor, administrator or school psychologist.

PARENT TIP:

If the plan is not meeting your child’s needs, refer them back to the team or to your school’s student study team (SST) for additional modifications or a referral for a special education evaluation. If the disability or ADHD is severe, your child may be able to qualify for special education instead of 504 services under the category of “Other Health Impaired.”