SECTION 504 ACCOMODATION PLANS

Section 504 provides accommodations for students with a disability that is substantially impacting a major life activity. As defined by federal law: “An individual with a disability means any person who: (i) has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity; (ii) has a record of such an impairment; or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment” [34 C.F.R. §104.3(j)(1)].

What is Section 504?

Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met.Section 504 states that: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 706(8) of this title, shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, 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…” [29 U.S.C. §794(a), 34 C.F.R. §104.4(a)].

Which students are covered?

A person with a disability under 504 is defined by an individual who:

1. Has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
2. Has a record of such an impairment; or
3. Is regarded as having such an impairment.

Students who satisfy the first definition are entitled to a free and appropriate public education ("FAPE") in the least restrictive environment and an individualized accommodation plan.  Students who satisfy only the second and third definitions are not entitled to FAPE or accommodations, but are entitled to be free from discrimination. 

Who is an “individual with a disability”?

As defined by federal law: “An individual with a disability means any person who: (i) has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity; (ii) has a record of such an impairment; or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment” [34 C.F.R. §104.3(j)(1)].

What is an “impairment” as used under the Section 504 definition?

An impairment as used in Section 504 may include any disability, long-term illness, or various disorder that “substantially” reduces or lessens a student’s ability to access learning in the educational setting because of a learning-, behavior- or health-related condition. [“It should be emphasized that a physical or mental impairment does not constitute a disability for purposes of Section 504 unless its severity is such that it results in a substantial limitation of one or more major life activities” (Appendix A to Part 104, #3)].

The United States Supreme Court has stated that, to be substantially limited, the impairment’s impact must be permanent or long term. Other courts have defined substantial as limited considerably or to a large degree. Minor or moderate limitations are not sufficient for a student to be eligible under 504. In determining whether a student’s impairment substantially limits a major life activity, the District is required to compare the individual to his or her average peer in the population. Students, therefore, are measured by reference to the performance of children at the same age or grade level. Under Section 504, it is not proper to compare the student to only his own potential. Created July 2004© IDEAs in Education, LLC 2 When determining eligibility under Section 504, the District also is required to determine if environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage are the primary reason for any limitations that the student may exhibit. Temporary impairments may be covered by 504 if the impairment is substantially limiting and if it is of sufficient duration. However, temporary, non-chronic impairments of short-duration, with little or no permanent long-term impact, usually are not disabilities as defined by Section 504.

Is a medical diagnosis required for consideration for a 504 plan?

A medical diagnosis  or report are pieces of information to be considered regaring eligibility. A diagnosis from a medical provider does not automatically determine eligibility. The disability must be determined to be substantially impacting a major life activity (i.e. learning).  A student's eligibility under Section 504 is not determined by a doctor or psychologist, but by a multidisciplinary team convened by the District.  That team must include persons who are knowledgeable about the student, Section 504, and the evaluation data to be considered. The 504 committee may review medical documentation, academic achievement, and feedback from teachers, parents and the student.

Are accommodations designed to produce achievement equal to that of non-disabled students?

504 accommodation plans are designed to level the playing field for equal access to and opportunity for free and appropriate education. They are not intendent to guarantee increased achievement. 

How do I refer my child for consideration for a 504 Accommodation Plan?

If you wish for your child to be reviewed for 504 plan eligibility please contact your child's counselor. 

If my child is granted an active 504 plan for school, how do I apply for consideration for extended time on the PSAT or SAT ?

If you would like your child to be considered for extended time on the PSAT/SAT or the ACT tests, you must first complete an application to each testing agency for consideration of approval.  Having a 504 or IEP does not guarantee that your child will be approved for extended time on their tests, even if your child is granted extended time in our school under a 504 or IEP plan.  Click on the appropriate links below to complete each application, and return the completed applications to the Guidance Office to be submitted to each agency for consideration.  You will need current medical documentation supporting the application, so please attach that as well.  Decisions take up to 7 weeks, so plan accordingly with the testing schedule for the year.

 PSAT/SAT application for accommodations info

ACT application for accommodations info

PLEASE NOTE:  If you do not complete the application steps and submit your completed, appropriate applications to Guidance for submission to the agencies, your child will not be eligible for extended time on the targeted tests.  ALL DECISIONS ARE MADE BY THE TESTING AGENCIES ONLY.