What is Section 504? 

Section 504 is the section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112. This section applies to persons with disabilities. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces this section which prohibits organizations (schools) that receive federal funds from discriminating against otherwise qualified individuals solely on the basis of a handicap.

A student of school age is eligible if that student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. While there are several categories, schools are generally concerned with the life activity of learning. 

Chronic illnesses such as arthritis and asthma, a medical diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, and physical impairments are often conditions under which 504 accommodations can be explored. 

Eligibility is based on if the team determines that the child has a disability and the extent to which it is substantially limiting a major life event (learning). Contact your site/district 504 coordinator for your procedures and forms. 

After determining eligibility, the team develops an accommodation plan to be implemented in the general education setting. 

Eligibility and the 504 plan are reviewed annually. 

504 SPED/CST Process:

1. Requests must be email to Heather Deyden-Littrell (heather@heartwoodcharterschool.org) if the student is enrolled in the Homeschool Program or Ashley Betry (ashley.b@heartwoodcharterschool.org) if the student is enrolled in the Bothin Waldorf Program.  When requesting a 504 plan, please include the following information:

• include student name (ideal first initial last name) and Heartwood program

• parent/guardian name, contact phone, and email

• concerns or reasons for requesting a 504

• and a list of those who will be filling out the form linked in the next step

• please also include any medical assessments or diagnosis for the child

2.  Parents, CSTs, and any other person observing the child in an education setting must fill out this form allowing the team to collect data and make a determination on whether the student qualifies for a 504 plan

3. While laws surrounding 504 plans do not indicate that there is a deadline in evaluating, assessing, and determining status at Heartwood Charter School our goal would be to hold a determination meeting after 90 days.  This should give the determining team ample time to observe and collect enough information to make a decision.

SECTION 504 RESOURCES

• 504 Plan FAQ

• Section 504: A Teacher’s Guide

• 504 Plan: Examples of Disabilities that can fall under Section 504

• Section 504 Sample Accommodations and Modifications

• 504 Law, Process & Sample Forms 

• 504 - IDEA - ADA Chart Comparison 

• SST vs. 504/ IEP vs. 504 Team Functions