Section 504

What You Need To Know About Section 504 - A Guide for Parents

What is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?

This is a law designed to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. It says it is against the law to discriminate against people with disabilities.

How does Section 504 define a student with a disability?

A student must have:

• A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities or major bodily functions.
• Students with a record of impairment or who are regarded as impaired are protected from discrimination, but do not receive supports.

How does Polk County Public Schools determine eligibility?

A team of individuals familiar with your child, the data and the options for supports will make that decision. You will be invited to be part of the Section 504 Team.

Who can refer my child for a Section 504 evaluation?

• YOU, the parent/guardian
• A teacher
• A principal or other staff member

If you think your child has a Section 504 disability, contact your child’s school and speak with the Section 504 Contact.

What is a Section 504 evaluation?

You must give permission in writing in order for your child to be evaluated for Section 504. The evaluation will look at information from multiple sources such as: academic tests, grades, information from your doctor, teacher reports, discipline referrals, parent input and any other useful information. Formal testing is usually not needed.

Who determines eligibility?

A Section 504 Team will meet and decide if your child is eligible for Section 504. The team includes at least 2 employees of Polk County Public Schools. You will be invited to the team meeting. If your child is eligible for discrimination protections, the team will then decide if your child also needs support and accommodations.

Not all students who are eligible under Section 504 need a support plan.

What are accommodations?

Accommodations are used to meet the individual needs of your child. They make sure your child has access to the same education as students without disabilities. The purpose of accommodations is to “level the playing field”. Accommodations cannot be used to give your child an advantage over other students or to change the curriculum.

What can a Section 504 plan provide to my child?

Accommodations such as:

• Note-taking assistance
• Health plans
• Preferential seating
• Extended time to complete homework assignments
• Help clarifying or understanding directions
• Other accommodations directly related to the 504 disability

Other 504 supports include:

• Access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)
• Protections from discrimination
• May qualify for the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES)- not all 504 students are eligible
• Equal access to participate in after school activities

Signs that may trigger a Section 504 Evaluation

If you think your child has a physical or mental impairment, along with one or more of these
warning signs, then, you may want to ask for a Section 504 evaluation:

• You notice a sudden change in your child’s typical grades or behavior
• Your child was tested for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services, but did not
  qualify or was dismissed from ESE services
• Your child was suspended more than once or may be expelled
• Your child has a chronic health issue that keeps him/her from going to school
• Your child had a 504 plan from another county or state

Parental Rights

Once your child is referred for a Section 504 evaluation, you will receive written information explaining your rights as a parent. These procedural safeguards include:

1. Notice of meetings or change in supports
2. An opportunity for you to examine relevant records
3. An opportunity to participate in an impartial hearing and be represented by counsel if you wish
4. A review procedure to discuss problems or concerns

Who do I contact for more information?

If you think your child has a physical or mental impairment that impacts a major life activity or major bodily function, you should call your child’s school and ask to speak with the Section 504 Contact.

District Coordinator:

Director - Student Services & Section 504
Phone: (863) 956-2082