Section 504

What is Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states:

 "No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . ."

Referrals

A referral for a Section 504 evaluation may be made by any individual that reasonably suspects a child may have a physical or mental impairment. This individual should contact the school’s 504 coordinator. 

Eligibility

There are three conditions that lead to eligibility for protection under Section 504.

1. The presence of a physical or mental impairment
2. which substantially limits
3. one or more major life activities.

Evaluation for Eligibility

There are two parts to a Section 504 evaluation:

1. Disability Determination
2. Service Plan/Placement Determination

For more information on Section 504, please visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html