Section 504
What is Section 504?
Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This federal law protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and Section 504 directly protects students. An Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP) is a legal document that outlines accommodations for students in the school setting. To be eligible to receive accommodations through Section 504, a student must have "a physical or mental disability which substantially limits a major life activity".
An Individual Accommodation Plan is written based on specific needs of individual students and reviewed each year. Accommodations in an IAP may include assignments/homework, instructional materials, instructional methods, testing, organization, physical environment, social/emotional/behavior needs, health, diabetes and anaphylaxis.
The team for each student will vary. A team will always include the parent(s)/guardian(s) and may include a school administrator, teacher, nurse, social worker or counselor, and other school staff.
The Section 504 Process
Referral: A parent/guardian, teacher, school staff member contacts the 504 Coordinator.
Assessment: The 504 team at the student’s school collects information (i.e. medical documentation) and completes an evaluation.
Eligibility: A decision is made by the team regarding eligibility. If a student qualifies, an Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP is written). If a student does not qualify other options are discussed.
504 Team at Farnsworth
Josie Kent, Social Worker
Maria Patera, School Nurse
Mike Sodomka, Assistant Principal
Classroom Teachers
Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
School Counselors
Students
If you have questions about the 504 process or about an existing IAP, please contact Ms. Josie at 651-293-8880 or josie.kent@spps.org.