Section 504 is a federal law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. It requires schools that receive federal funding to provide reasonable accommodations to students with physical or mental impairments that limit major life activities. The document outlines the purpose and requirements of Section 504, including that a qualifying student must have a disability between ages 3-22, and may receive accommodations and equal educational opportunities through an individualized 504 plan. Teachers play a key role by participating in 504 committees and ensuring students receive their planned accommodations.

1. Section 504
Rachel Matthews and Jennifer Mauldin
EDUC 4763
Differentiated Classroom Instruction
Dr. Cathy Schmidt
February 5, 2012

2. Program Purpose
Section 504 is a federal law that is part of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It created the first
civil rights legislation in the United States
specifically intended to protect individuals
with disabilities.
Section 504 states, “No qualified
handicapped person shall, on the basis of
handicap, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise
be subjected to discrimination under any
program or activity which received or
benefits from Federal financial assistance.”

3. Qualifications Requirements
 A person must be between the ages of 3 – 22.
 A person must have an impairment which limits
one or more major life activity such as walking,
seeing, hearing, and learning.
 Evaluations may be done to determine if a
person qualifies for 504.
 Once a referral is made a committee is put in
place to discuss the needs of the child. The
committee will review grade, teacher’s notes,
test score, comments from doctors and parents.

4. Instructional Requirements
 If a student qualifies for services through
section 504, the committee will create a 504
plan based on the individual’s needs.
 Students may receive accommodations. The
accommodations are determined by the
child’s disability.
 Accommodations may include but are not
limited to highlighted textbooks, colored lay
overs, enlarged print, oral testing, preferred
seating, and extended time.
 The disabled student must be given an equal
opportunity as a non-disabled students.

5. Teacher-Specific Regulations
Regarding Implementation
 Teachers are involved on 504 committees.
 Teachers play an important role in
creating the 504 plan for their students.
 Teachers are responsible for making sure
that he/she familiarizes themselves with
their students 504 plan.
 Teachers are responsible for the
implementing the 504 plan for the
students for whom they are responsible
for.

6. Conclusion
 Section 504 is a program that protects
students with special needs that do not meet
the eligibility criteria for services through IDEA.
 It is a program set in place to make sure that
all children regardless of handicap are not
discriminated against.
 It ensures that all students are allowed to
receive the same educational opportunities
regardless of disability or handicap.

7. References
 Section 504 research paper written by
Rachel Matthews and Jennifer Mauldin
 www.help4adhd.org
 http://www.greatschools.org/special-
education/legal-rights/868-section-
504.gs?page=1
 Overton Elementary School staff