Section 504
Working together to ensure equal access, meaningful participation, and appropriate support for every student.
Family • Student • Staff Resource Center
Welcome to the TSC Section 504 Resource Center
Our goal is to partner with families, students, and staff to ensure that every qualified student has equal access to educational opportunities. Whether you are learning about Section 504 for the first time or looking for detailed guidance, this resource center is designed to provide clear information, helpful resources, and easy access to support.
Overview
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil-rights law administered by the U.S. Department of Education and enforced by the Office for Civil Rights. Its purpose is to protect qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Because Tippecanoe School Corporation receives federal financial assistance, TSC must comply with Section 504. Qualified students with disabilities may not, because of disability, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in TSC programs or activities.
Who is protected?
A student may be protected when the student 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.
Who is a qualified student?
A student is qualified when the student is entitled to receive educational services under applicable state law or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
When is a plan required?
A protected student does not automatically receive a Section 504 Plan. A knowledgeable team must determine that the student actually has a disability and needs disability-related services or modifications to receive an appropriate education.
Two important protections: A student may be protected from disability discrimination even when a written Section 504 Plan is not required. A written plan is developed only when the student needs disability-related services, accommodations, or modifications.
Section 504 Overview Video
Meet Your Section 504 Team
The District Section 504 Team supports families, students, schools, and staff throughout the referral, evaluation, eligibility, planning, and review process.
District Section 504 Coordinator
Richard A. Huffer
Richard A. Huffer has served as TSC’s District Section 504 Coordinator since 2018. His professional background includes 17 years as a middle school counselor, providing him with extensive experience in student development, family collaboration, and school-based support systems.
Richard and his wife are the parents of three children adopted from Korea. As a parent of children with disabilities, he brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to his work. He recognizes the challenges, frustrations, growth, and joy that can be part of raising and supporting children with special needs, and he looks forward to partnering with families and schools.
Education
- JD
- M.S.Ed., School Counseling
- B.A., Psychology
Professional Experience
- Middle School Counselor — 17 years
- District Section 504 Coordinator — 2018 to present
District Section 504 Secretary
Elizabeth Timmons
Elizabeth Timmons serves as the District Section 504 Secretary and supports the day-to-day coordination of the Section 504 process. She assists with scheduling meetings, organizing documentation, communicating with schools and families, and helping ensure that referrals, evaluations, reviews, and other procedural steps move forward efficiently.
Elizabeth is often one of the first points of contact for families and school personnel. She is committed to providing responsive, courteous assistance and helping families understand where to begin and whom to contact during the Section 504 process.
How Elizabeth Helps
- Coordinates meeting schedules and invitations
- Assists with Section 504 documentation
- Communicates with families and school personnel
- Supports the District Coordinator and school Designated Persons
District Section 504 Office
Elston Administration Center • Tippecanoe School Corporation
Elston Administration Center • Tippecanoe School Corporation