Chanda Kropp - Section 504

What is Section 504?

Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities. It ensures that students with a qualifying disability have equal access to education and school programs.

Under Section 504, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to:

• Caring for oneself
• Performing manual tasks
• Walking, seeing, hearing
• Eating, sleeping, standing, lifting, bending
• Speaking, breathing
• Learning, reading, concentrating, thinking
• Communicating and working

If there is reason to believe a student may have a disability that impacts access to school, the district will review relevant information and determine whether a Section 504 Accommodation Plan is needed.

Evaluation & Eligibility

A student is eligible under Section 504 only when the disability substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Information that may be considered includes, but is not limited to:

• Grades and academic performance
• Teacher reports and observations
• Standardized test scores
• Medical and/or psychological evaluations
• Parent/guardian input

When appropriate, a Section 504 team will develop and implement an accommodation plan to support the student’s access to education.

504 Coordination

Each school building has a designated Section 504 Coordinator who oversees Section 504 processes and supports the implementation of accommodation plans.

If you have concerns about your child’s access to education due to a physical or mental impairment, or if you have questions about Section 504, please contact your student’s school building.