What is Section 504?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights act prohibiting discrimination based on a disability. The statute ensures that an eligible student with an impairment receives reasonable accommodations necessary for the student to access school-related programs and activities.
Who is covered?
A student may be considered disabled under the definition of Section 504 if the student has, or has a record of, or is regarded as having, a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Examples of conditions which may qualify an individual for 504 services include chronic asthma, communicable diseases, attention deficit disorder, social phobia, obesity, allergies, epilepsy, and Tourette's Syndrome.
Referral and Eligibility Process
The referral process shall be initiated by the 504 chairperson, usually the school counselor, in response to any verbal, written, or electronic request by any appropriate party familiar with the student's education or from the school's Intervention Team.
The Section 504 committee, which includes the parent, shall determine if the student meets the requirements of an eligible individual under Section 504 by discussing the following: (a) if a mental or physical impairment exists, (b) if the impairment substantially limits any of the student's major life functions, (c) how the impairment affects the student across the educational program, and (d) if the student is eligible for an accommodation plan.
Section 504 Plan
The Section 504 committee shall write a Section 504 plan for eligible students.
Accommodations shall be included in the 504 plan, along with any modifications or services the student may need. Educational services, testing accommodations, and extracurricular activities shall be considered during the decision-making process. Accommodations and adaptations shall not lower, or substantially or fundamentally alter, Louisa County Public Schools standards.
Student participation in the Standards of Learning (SOL) and District Assessments shall be determined and documented on the student's 504 plan.
Section 504 plans shall be reviewed at least annually and eligibility is determined at least every three years by the Section 504 committee.
Questions may also be directed to Kathy Wash, Lead Section 504 Coordinator, or Dr. Carla Alpern, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, at 540-894-5115.
For Section 504 nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures, please click here.