Section 504

Rehabilitation Act of 1973:  SECTION 504

What is Section 504?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal  funding.  D205 provides a free and appropriate education for students who are eligible for a 504 plan by individually designing accommodations, modifications, and/or services that provide them equal access to the general education environment as their non-disabled peers. 

In order to be eligible under Section 504, a student must have a "mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity" such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.

Section 504 services are not the same as "special education" and students with a 504 plan are considered general education students.

How do students qualify for a 504 plan? 
Students must be evaluated by the school district in order to determine their eligibility for a 504 plan.  Students who are suspected of having a qualifying impairment can be referred for an evaluation by a school team/staff member or by their parent(s)/guardian(s).  The outcomes of the evaluation will determine whether the student is eligible under Section 504 and if they require a plan.

Please note that students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP may qualify for services under Section 504 if the student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

If you suspect that your student may qualify for services, please contact the 504 designee for their school building.

Building 504 Designee:

  • Early Childhood:  Contact the building's principal
  • Kindergarten--8:  Contact the building's assistant principal 
  • Grades 9--12:  Contact the student's counselor

Sarah Cannon, Assistant Director of Student Services, is the District 504 Coordinator.