Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding, including public schools. The purpose of this law is to ensure that students with disabilities have the same access to education and opportunities as their peers without disabilities.
In short, Section 504 guarantees that no student with a disability is excluded from participation, denied benefits, or discriminated against in any school setting simply because of their disability.
Under Section 504, a qualified student with a disability is one who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, reading, walking, concentrating, breathing, or communicating.
When a student qualifies for Section 504 protections, the school develops a 504 Plan, a written document that outlines the specific supports, accommodations, and services the student needs to access the general education curriculum and school environment effectively.
Examples of accommodations may include:
These accommodations are not intended to give a student an advantage, but rather to level the playing field and remove barriers that interfere with learning or participation.
Students who do not qualify for special education under IDEA may still receive accommodations under Section 504 if they have a disability that substantially limits a major life activity.
Schools are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and providing appropriate accommodations to eligible students. Counselors, teachers, administrators, and parents work together as a 504 committee to develop and monitor each student’s plan.
The goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of ability, can learn, participate, and succeed in a safe, inclusive environment.
Section 504 gives parents and students several important rights, including:
By removing barriers and promoting inclusion, Section 504 ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
In short, Section 504 guarantees that no student with a disability is excluded from participation, denied benefits, or discriminated against in any school setting simply because of their disability.
What It Means for Students
Under Section 504, a qualified student with a disability is one who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, reading, walking, concentrating, breathing, or communicating.When a student qualifies for Section 504 protections, the school develops a 504 Plan, a written document that outlines the specific supports, accommodations, and services the student needs to access the general education curriculum and school environment effectively.
Examples of accommodations may include:
- Preferential seating in the classroom
- Extended time on tests or assignments
- Access to assistive technology
- Behavior or emotional support strategies
- Modified instructional materials
These accommodations are not intended to give a student an advantage, but rather to level the playing field and remove barriers that interfere with learning or participation.
How Section 504 Differs from Special Education (IDEA)
While both Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) support students with disabilities, they serve different purposes:- Section 504 is a civil rights law that ensures access and equal opportunity.
- IDEA is an education law that provides specialized instruction and related services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Students who do not qualify for special education under IDEA may still receive accommodations under Section 504 if they have a disability that substantially limits a major life activity.
The Role of Schools and Counselors
Schools are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and providing appropriate accommodations to eligible students. Counselors, teachers, administrators, and parents work together as a 504 committee to develop and monitor each student’s plan.The goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of ability, can learn, participate, and succeed in a safe, inclusive environment.
Parents’ and Students’ Rights
Section 504 gives parents and students several important rights, including:- The right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)
- The right to participate in meetings about their child’s identification, evaluation, and placement
- The right to review educational records
- The right to file a grievance or complaint if they believe their rights under Section 504 have been violated
Why Section 504 Matters
Section 504 helps schools fulfill their mission to educate all students by recognizing that fairness is not about treating every student the same; it’s about giving each student what they need to reach their fullest potential.By removing barriers and promoting inclusion, Section 504 ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.