What is Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law designed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination for reasons related to their disabilities. The Section 504 regulations require a school district, receiving Federal financial assistance, to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students. The FAPE must meet the students' individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students.

To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or (2) have a record of such an impairment, or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment.

Our team supports districts and charter schools in their understanding and implementation of Section 504 requirements, designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities by offering professional development and consultation.