Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is also called the "Civil Rights Law for the Disabled." The law states the "No otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the United States...shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, 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.
In simple terms, Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities. An evaluation needs to be conducted before a determination of the student's eligibility and subsequent needs are made. The team must answer the following questions:
- Is there an impairment?
- Does it substantially limit a major life activity?
- What is the accommodation that is needed to keep that impairment from substantially limiting the activity?
It is the intent of CCPS to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational accommodations and related services.
Contact your School 504 Building Coordinator.