Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities, public or private, that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with advisability who is in the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met. Section 504 and the ADA protect qualified individuals with disabilities.
An individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities mean functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. Under Section 504and the ADA, a person is a qualified individual with a disability if he or she meets the essential requirements for receipt of services or benefits or participation in the programs or activities of a covered entity. The question of whether a particular condition is a disability within the meaning of Section 504 and the ADA is determined on a case-by-case basis.
The school districts of SAU 48 implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 based on federal, state, and local school district policies and procedures. If you suspect your child is eligible for a Section 504 Plan, please contact:
Grades K-8: Local school guidance counselor
High School: PRHS Student Services Administrator
Section 504 resources from the New Hampshire Department of Education https://www.education.nh.gov/pathways-education/section-504
Your rights under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Office of Civil Rights): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/504-resource-guide-201612.pdf