Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination because of a disability. The law applies to employers and organizations that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 requires "reasonable accommodations" to be made if the disability substantially limits a student's participation in or access to a "major life activity." Section 504 is about providing accommodations to ensure non-discrimination and provide equal access.
Section 504 covers any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. This includes airports, public libraries, public schools, and colleges and universities. Section 504 allows people with disabilities many rights similar to the minority rights given through the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Section 504 has made a big impact on special education services in public schools. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) protects children who have a disability, based on its definition of a child with a disability. Section 504 covers children who do not meet that definition, but still require accommodations. For example, a child in my classroom one year had dwarfism. Section 504 would allow accommodations for him to access needed materials and places. Section 504 also extends to extra-curricular activities, sports, and after school care. Schools identify students with disabilities and evaluate those students. If a student is eligible, the school staff creates a written accommodation plan, often called a "504 plan."
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Most laws are for the "average person" or are based on a normal circumstance, this law reaches everyone in the middle. It sounds like Section 504 helps fill in the cracks for the children who might have difficulty receiving much needed assistance. It is so important to give children the best advantage. Is the 504 plan similar to an IEP?
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