Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that the child with a disability has equal access to an education and the child may receive accommodations/modifications.

Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 does not require the school to provide an individualized educational program (IEP) that is designed to meet the child's unique needs and provides the child with educational benefit. Fewer procedural safeguards are available for disabled children and their parents under Section 504 than under IDEA.

 

Qualifiers for Section 504 services:

  • has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity

  • has a record of such impairment, or

  • is regarded as having such an impairment

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