Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination in schools that receive federal funding. The goal of Section 504 is to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and school activities. A Section 504 Plan is a written document that outlines accommodations and supports a student needs to access their education. Accommodations do not change what a student is expected to learn. Instead, they help remove barriers to learning.
A student may qualify for a Section 504 Plan if they have a:
Physical impairment
Mental health condition
Medical condition
Learning or attention difficulty
that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Examples of major life activities include:
📚 Learning
🧠 Concentrating
💬 Communicating
🚶 Walking
👀 Seeing
❤️ Managing a Medical Condition
Examples of conditions that may qualify include:
ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy, Concussions. Chronic health conditions, Etc.
Eligibility is determined individually by a school team based on available information and data.
Section 504 Special Education (IDEA)
Civil rights law Federal special education law
Provides accommodations Provides specialized instruction and services
Students have equal access to education The student requires specially designed instruction
Written 504 Plan Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Not all students with disabilities need special education services. Some students only need accommodations through a Section 504 Plan.
A parent, teacher, counselor, administrator, or other school staff member may refer a student for consideration.
The school reviews relevant information, which may include:
Academic records, Attendance data, Teacher input, Parent input, Medical information, etc.
A school team reviews the information and determines whether the student qualifies under Section 504.
If eligible, the team develops a Section 504 Plan outlining accommodations and supports.
The plan is reviewed periodically and revised as needed.
Parents have the right to:
Receive notice regarding decisions about their child
Participate in meetings
Provide information about their child
Request a review of the plan
Ask questions and seek clarification
No. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee eligibility. The school team must determine whether the condition substantially limits a major life activity.
Yes. Accommodations should be reviewed and adjusted based on the student's needs.
Generally, schools review existing plans and determine how to implement accommodations consistent with Section 504 requirements.
Yes. Students with disabilities should have equal access to extracurricular and school-sponsored activities.
If you have questions about Section 504 services, please contact your school's school counselor.
Working together helps ensure that every student has access to a successful and supportive learning environment.