Section 504

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the portion of the Act originally authorized under Public Law 93-112 that states "no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a disability.  Local Education Agencies (LEA), like PGCS, as recipients of federal assistance, are prohibited from excluding students solely on the basis of a disability.

This law protects any person who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;

2. has a record of such impairment;

3. is regarded as having such impairment.

The law provides supports only for those who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  Students must meet the criteria for eligibility in order to qualify for a 504 plan.

Eligibility Determination

The 504 Eligibility Team reviews records, observations, evaluations, and data collected and determines if the student is eligible under 504.  The student must meet all three criteria to be eligible:

• Physical or mental impairment

• That limits a major life activity

• To a substantial extent when active and when not mitigated.

The 504 Eligibility Team should use the results of the data and information collected to determine the extent to which the impairment limits the major activity.  For students who are determined eligible, the 504 Eligibility Summary Report shall be forwarded to the 504 Plan Committee for development of the 504 Plan.

To make a referral for 504 Services, please contact your school's school counseling department.