Section 504
Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Many families ask about the difference between a Section 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A Section 504 plan specifically outlines accommodations a student needs to be able to access the general education curriculum. An IEP also outlines accommodations the student needs, however, an IEP also dictates what goals the student needs to meet and what specialized instruction (from a special education teacher) they need in order to meet those goals. Please see the table below for more information regarding a Special Education evaluation and a Section 504 evaluation.
|
Special Education Evaluation
|
Section 504 Evaluation
|
|
The goal is to determine if the student has a disability.
|
The goal is to determine if the student has a disability.
|
|
An evaluation must be conducted in order to determine if the student has a disability
|
An evaluation must be conducted in order to determine if the student has a disability
|
|
The team reviews state criteria to determine if the student has a disability and qualifies for special education services.
|
The team must determine if the student’s disability substantially limits a major life activity, which can include learning, reading, concentrating, or thinking, just to name a few.
|
|
If the student is found eligible and has a need for special education services, then the team develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the student.
|
If the student is found eligible under Section 504, the team develops a Section 504 plan for the student.
|
|
An IEP identifies the student’s special education needs, goals, accommodations and specially designed instruction that the student requires in order to be successful in their educational setting.
|
Section 504 plans focus on providing accommodations and removing barriers to the general education environment. Section 504 Plans do not include specialized instruction or specific measurable goals for your child to meet.
|
If you have further questions about Section 504 or would like to inquire about how to refer your child for a Section 504 evaluation, please reach out to the school psychologist in your child’s school or to Laurin Dodd, Director of Pupil Services at (920)582-0922 or [email protected]
Section 504 is overseen by the Office of Civil Rights and they have a lot of information on their website if you would like to read more about Section 504.