What is Section 504?

Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This federal law protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and Section 504 directly protects students.  An Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP) is a legal document that outlines accommodations for students in the school setting. To be eligible to receive accommodations through Section 504, a student must have "a physical or mental disability which substantially limits a major life activity". 

An Individual Accommodation Plan is written based on specific needs of individual students and reviewed each year. Accommodations in an IAP may include assignments/homework, instructional materials, instructional methods, testing, organization, physical environment, social/emotional/behavior needs, health, diabetes and anaphylaxis.

The team for each student will vary.  A team will always include the parent(s)/guardian(s) and may include a school administrator, teacher, nurse, social worker or counselor, and other school staff.

The Section 504 Process

Referral: A parent/guardian, teacher, school staff member contacts the 504 Coordinator.

Assessment: The 504 team at the student’s school collects information (i.e. medical documentation) and completes an evaluation.

Eligibility: A decision is made by the team regarding eligibility.  If a student qualifies, an Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP is written).  If a student does not qualify other options are discussed.

504 Team at Farnsworth

Josie Kent, Social Worker

Maria Patera, School Nurse

Mike Sodomka, Assistant Principal

Classroom Teachers

Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

School Counselors

Students

If you have questions about the 504 process or about an existing IAP, please contact Ms. Lovat at 651-793-7334 or sara.lovat@spps.org.