Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability in any program receiving federal assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:
- Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working);
- Has a record of such impairment; or
- Is regarded as having such an impairment.
In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the school district recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel, students and their parents. No discrimination against any person solely due to his/her disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system.
The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act, which include the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if the child has a current disability and is termed to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational programs.
For additional information regarding Section 504, please contact the Guidance Department at extension 252.
