Section 504

Section 504 refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This federal law prohibits discrimination against disabled persons who may participate in, or receive benefits from, programs receiving federal financial assistance.  Section 504 ensures that eligible students with a disability receive equal access to services that are provided to students without a disability, and it provides protection from discrimination due to the disability.

Each Plano ISD campus has a §504 coordinator who has been designated by the principal as facilitator for that campus.  In order to access the campus coordinator, please contact the child's school.

Definition of Disability

Section 504 defines a person with a disability as anyone who: 

1. Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities

2. Has a record of such impairment, or

3. Is regarded as having such an impairment

Eligibility

A student is eligible for §504 protections and/or services if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including, but not limited to: 

• Caring for oneself
• Performing manual tasks
• Walking
• Seeing
• Hearing
• Speaking
• Breathing
• Working
• Learning
• Reading
• Concentrating
• Thinking
• Communicating
• Any bodily functions and systems

Examples of Impairments

Examples of impairments which may entitle Section 504 protection and/or services are:

• Medical condition such as chronic asthma, Diabetes, heart disease, or a seizure disorder
• Physical disabilities or orthopedic impairments
• A temporary disability 
• Learning related impairments

The presence of one of these conditions itself may not qualify a student for Section 504 protections and/or services. The impairment must also cause a substantial limitation of a major life activity. 

Evaluation

The §504 evaluation for eligibility considers parent information, physician's report/medical information/health information, teacher and administrator input, work samples and achievement data, educational evaluations or assessments, and any other pertinent information. 

Process

The Plano ISD Section 504 process involves student evaluation, intervention planning, follow-up evaluations, and reviews of accommodations to determine if the Individualized Accommodation Plan is effective. 

504 Brochure

504 Brochure - Spanish