The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including schools and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.
Students with physical or mental disabilities can face academic hurdles for a variety of reasons. Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is designed to help parents of students with physical or mental impairments in public schools, or publicly funded private schools, work with educators to design customized educational plans. These 504 plans legally ensure that students will be treated fairly at school.
504 Plans vs. IEPs
A 504 plan is different from a Special Education Individualized Education Plan. The main difference is that a 504 plan modifies a student's regular education program in a regular classroom setting. A 504 plan is monitored by classroom teachers and is a blueprint for how the school will provide supports and remove barriers for a student. The goal of 504 plans is for students to be educated in regular classrooms along with the services, accommodations, or educational aids they might need.
Process for a 504 Plan
If you have questions about 504 plans and if your child may qualify, please contact your school counselor for additional information.
District 504 Administrator
If you have concerns regarding your child's 504, please contact:
Felecia Jenkins-Polk
405-587-1448