Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)

It is the intent of the Sunset Ridge District 29 to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate education accommodations and services to meet their needs. This federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by any program or activity that receives or benefits from federal funding. Section 504 requires that disabled students be provided with a free appropriate public education including education with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

A person has a disability within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if he or she has a mental or physical impairment, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities. An impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active. The determination of whether impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be made without regard to the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures (except for ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses).

Referrals for consideration for Section 504 eligibility may be made at any time. A referral may be made by individuals with knowledge of the student’s needs and/or educational programming, including teachers, other staff members, parents, etc. Please contact the school nurse for referral inquiries.

A school evaluation team (if an evaluation is deemed necessary), consisting of persons knowledgeable about the student, will conduct an individual evaluation of a student initially referred for a Section 504 evaluation. The team will review all submitted documentation, current teacher reports, past records and tests. Additional evaluation measures will be conducted by the School District if deemed necessary. Parental consent will be obtained prior to the initial evaluation completed by the District. An eligibility determination meeting will follow. If the student is eligible, a Section 504 plan will be developed and implemented. Section 504 plans will be reviewed annually and reevaluations will occur periodically.

Parent and Educator Resource for Section 504