Section 504

Protecting students from discrimination based on ability

Students hanging out.

What is Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly called Section 504, is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. Section 504 ensures that students with disabilities have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to students without disabilities. To be eligible, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.

Parents and students’ rights

Your child has the right to:

  • Receive a free and appropriate public education.
  • Participate in and benefit from the district’s educational programs without discrimination.
  • Be provided an equal opportunity to participate in the district’s nonacademic and extracurricular activities.
  • Be educated with students who do not have disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.
  • Be educated in facilities and receive services that are comparable to those provided to students without disabilities.
  • Receive accommodations and/or related aids and services to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school activities.
  • Receive educational and related aids and services without cost, except for those fees imposed on the parents of children without disabilities.
  • Receive special education services if needed.

You have the right to:

  • Review your child’s educational records and to receive copies.
  • A response to your reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of your child’s education records.

Your child has the right to an evaluation before the school determines if he or she is eligible under Section 504. You have the right to:

  • Receive notice before the district takes any action regarding the identification, evaluation, and placement of your child.
  • Have evaluation and placement decisions made by a group of persons, often called a 504 team, including persons who know your child, the meaning of the evaluation information, and the placement options available.
  • Have evaluation decisions based on a variety of sources, such as aptitude and achievement tests, teacher recommendations, physical conditions, medical records, and parental observations.
  • Refuse consent for the initial evaluation and initial placement of your child.

If your child is eligible under Section 504, your child has a right to periodic re-evaluations, including re-evaluations before any significant change is made in your child’s placement.

If you disagree with the district’s decisions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, educational program, or placement under Section 504, you may contact the Section 504 district coordinator.

To learn more, about Section 504, please see the following resources:

Allison Albernathy
VPS Section 504 coordinator
Email
360-313-1250

Contact

Special services
360-313-1250

Education ombuds

If you have concerns about your child’s experience within the discipline process, please reach out to VPS’ education ombuds for help navigating the district’s processes and procedures.

Learn more and contact