Section 504

Section 504 is a law that prohibits schools from discriminating against students with disabilities. Section 504 sets minimum standards for providing related services and aids to students with disabilities that substantially limits a major life activity. All accredited Iowa schools must comply with Section 504. This applies to elementary and secondary education, preschool and adult education, and private education. 

Who's Eligible: Under Section 504 law, a person with a disability meets any of the following criteria: 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. 

What's Required: Procedures regarding the identification, evaluation and educational placement of students with disabilities is required.  School districts must incorporate a system of procedural safeguards that include notice, an opportunity for the parents or guardian to examine relevant records, an impartial hearing, an opportunity for participation by the student’s parents or guardian, representation by counsel, and a review procedure. Section 504 requires a written plan describing placement and services. Students eligible for Section 504 services are to receive related services similar to those students eligible for special education services. 

UPDATE

On July 26, 2016, the OCR issued a Dear Colleague Letter regarding obligations to students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under Section 504. Highlights of significant guidance can be found here. To view the full guidance click here.  

Comparison chart: IDEA vs. Section 504 process   

Comparison Chart: IDEA, Section 504, and ADA: Comparison of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Sample District Protocol 
 

Parental Rights: This is a sample of Parental Rights. 

Parental Consent Form: Form to obtain parental consent prior to evaluation for 504 eligibility. This link also includes the Parental Rights linked above. 

Teacher Input Form: As part of the evaluation, collecting information from teachers is important. This sample form may assist in gathering the information that would be helpful to the team. 

Medical Release Form: Iowa Department of Education release form modified with their consent to serve for Section 504; district letterhead may be placed at the top of the forms.

Sample Eligibility Determination Form: This sample form could be used by teams as they work through the information gathered throughout the evaluation to document the eligibility decision. 

Team Meeting Agenda Template: This is a sample 504 plan template. 

Review Template - A review should be conducted periodically. Best practice would be to review these plans annually.

Student Accommodation Request (SAR) Form: Required form for graduating students with a 504 plan who are attending post-secondary education.

District Responsibilities: Provides information on the policies and procedures that need to be in place

Building Responsibilities: Considerations in providing parental notice and conducting an individual evaluation for students.

Teacher/Support Staff Responsibilities: Samples of accommodations and modifications for students with 504 plans. 

Parent and Educator Resource Guide: Provides additional guidance on responsibilities, accommodations and sample forms for districts to use.