Section 504 Information
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. It also applies to the United States Congress. To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability. An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.
Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors. The standards for determining employment discrimination under the Rehabilitation Act are the same as those used in title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Section 504
Section 504 states that "no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under" any program or activity that either receives Federal financial assistance or is conducted by any Executive agency or the United States Postal Service. Each Federal agency has its own set of section 504 regulations that apply to its own programs. Agencies that provide Federal financial assistance also have section 504 regulations covering entities that receive Federal aid. Requirements common to these regulations include reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities; program accessibility; effective communication with people who have hearing or vision disabilities; and accessible new construction and alterations. Each agency is responsible for enforcing its own regulations. Section 504 may also be enforced through private lawsuits. It is not necessary to file a complaint with a Federal agency or to receive a "right-to-sue" letter before going to court.
For information on how to file 504 complaints with the appropriate agency, contact:
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Disability Rights Section
Washington, D.C. 20530
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Disability Rights Section
Washington, D.C. 20530
(800) 514-0301 (voice)
(800) 514-0383 (TTY)
(800) 514-0383 (TTY)
How do I get Section 504 coverage for my child?
To get started with getting support for your student, you will need to reach out to Tyler Nobles, [email protected], or your students teacher. CSA will then talk with you about the struggles your student has and possible next steps.
One thing to keep in mind is that to be covered by Section 504, the disability must meet the following : "An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment."
Once all data is collected, CSA will meet with the parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and any other persons to best decide how to support the student. This will be the time when a 504 plan is created and agreed upon to provide accommodations for the student.
What types of disabilities can be covered under Section 504?
Many types to include both physical and mental disabilities. This could include, but is not limited to, ADHD, anxiety, depression, diabetes, dyslexia, hearing loss, and physical ailments. These are just a few, if your student needs supports, please let Tyler Nobles know, and we can talk more about how best to support the student.
What are some accommodations that my child can receive?
Accommodations are tailored to the student and the disability, there is not a one size fits all list. The team will meet to talk about which accommodations are best to support the student. Please reach out to Tyler Nobles should you have any questions about possible accommodations here at CSA.
How long is my child covered under Section 504?
The nice part with Section 504 supports is that they can come and go as needed.
Some students will need accommodations and supports as students and into adult hood, such as a student with a physical ailment. Others may need accommodations for a month, such as a student who had a concussion or broken bone.
The disability and how it affects the student will determine how long accommodations and support are provided. This will be discussed during the team meeting with the parents and reviewed again before stopping services.
Please contact Tyler Nobles should you have any questions.