Section 504

Overview:

Section 504 is an anti-discrimination law that requires schools to provide disabled students equal access to educational benefits and opportunities as provided to non-disabled students.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the law that outlines these student protections.

This stature ensures that eligible students receive reasonable accommodations necessary for them to have equal access to school related programs and activities. These accommodations do not guarantee success they simply provide the opportunity- they level the playing field. Accommodations cannot provide the student with an unfair advantage to non-disabled students.

Eligibility:

An eligible student is a student who (a) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, (b) has a record of having such an impairment, or (c) is regarded as having such an impairment.

The campus Section 504 committee determines eligibility. In order to make this determination, the committee must answer the following questions:

1. What is the disability?
2. What major life activity is affected?
3. Although the life activity is affected, is it substantially limited?

*when a condition does not substantially limit a major life activity then the student does not qualify.

If determined eligible by the 504 committee, the need or development of an accommodation plan will be considered.

Impairments vs. Disabilities:

Section 504, the ADA, and the Amendments Act are consistent in drawing a distinction between individuals with impairments and those with disabilities. According to legislation, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The term may also be used to describe an individual who has a record of such an impairment or who is regarded as having such an impairment.

An individual may have an impairment, and many people do have impairments such as poor eyesight or medical conditions or disorders. Unless the impairment substantially limits that individual in a major life activity, however, they are not considered to be “disabled” under the legislation.

Physical or Mental Impairment:

In order to be eligible for protections under Section 504 and the ADAAA, an individual must have a physical or mental impairment. A physical or mental impairment may impact bodily systems such as brain or nervous system, endocrine systems, skeletal system, etc. An individual who is “at-risk” for failure in school due to lack of progress would not necessarily be eligible for protections under Section 504 because there are many reasons, including socio-cultural reasons.

Major Life Activities:

Regulations include a sample list of “major life activities”, but it also makes it clear that the list is not exclusive. Eligibility should be determined on a case-by-case basis. The list includes:

                caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. 42 U.S.C. Section 12102(4)(a)(2)(A).

The regulations also include “the operation of bodily function”:

                The operation of a major bodily function, including but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions. 42 U.S.C. Section 12102(4)(a)(2)(B).

Mitigating Measures:

Original legislation accepted the use of mitigating measures when determining a disability. If an individual had implemented mitigating measures such as medications or assistive devices, that information could be used in determining whether the individual was substantially limited in one or more major life activities. With the amendments of 2008, the use of mitigating measures was removed. In determining whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity, one must consider the condition as it would be without the mitigating measures. The only exception to this rule is the use of eye glasses

Referral for Section 504:

• A referral by a parent or district professional concerning a child with a disability, who may be considered for protection under §504, is made through the campus designee for §504. 
• An evaluation, designed based on the specific condition, may include a review of medical or psychological documentation provided by the family’s private provider(s).  For conditions, other than dyslexia, there is not a “test” for eligibility.  Parents and teachers may complete checklists or observations in order to gather data to support the need for accommodations through §504.
• The §504 committee determines the eligibility for supports and services, then develops the accommodations plan to address the identified concerns.

SCUC ISD-Campus 504 Designee

Legal Obligation:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability. “No qualified person with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which received or benefits from Federal financial assistance.” 34 CFR §104.4(a).

Dyslexia Information and Resources:

TEA Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update: Important Changes for Families to Understand (English)

Actualización del manual de dislexia 2021 de TEA: CAMBIOS IMPORTANTES QUE LAS FAMILIAS DEBEN ENTENDER (Español)

2021 Dyslexia Handbook (English)

El Manual Sobre la Dislexia, Versión 2021 (Español)

Additional 504 Information and Resources:

Accommodations for standardized testing

Accommodations for college entrance exams (College Board: SAT, PSAT, AP)

Postsecondary education for students with disabilities

Section 504 Frequently Asked Questions (provided by Region 13)

Aiding students who have learning difficulties or who need Special Education or 504 services