Section 504

Congress prohibited discrimination against persons with disabilities in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, in a segment most often referred to simply as ‘Section 504.” This was a broadly worded prohibition that covers both children and adults.  It applies to programs that receive any federal financial assistance. 

Section 504 prohibits discrimination against individuals whose physical or mental impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities, including: caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and learning.

• Under Section 504, schools must afford students with disabilities equal opportunity.
• Many students, who fall within the Section 504 category, are medically involved, and the disability is temporary in nature.
• Section 504 accommodations are delivered and monitored through the Student Support Team.