Section 504 Resource Center
Working Together to Support Every Student
Family • Student • Staff Resources
Family Resource Center
A parent-friendly guide to referrals, evaluations, eligibility decisions, Section 504 Plans, rights, resources, and who to contact when you have questions or concerns.
From Referral to Plan: What Families Can Expect
The Section 504 process is designed to determine whether a student has a disability, whether the disability substantially limits a major life activity, and whether the student needs a Section 504 Plan to receive an appropriate education.
Concern or Referral
A parent, school employee, medical provider, or community agency may raise a concern. Anyone may use the public referral form. School staff must refer a student when they suspect the student has a disability and may need disability-related services or modifications.
Referral Review
The District Section 504 Coordinator reviews the referral. If an IDEA evaluation may be more appropriate, the Section 504 process may pause while special education considers or completes that evaluation.
Evaluation Plan and Consent
If a Section 504 evaluation is appropriate, TSC identifies the records, information, and assessments to be reviewed. The parent signs the Consent to Evaluate Form before the initial evaluation or before new assessments are completed.
Information Gathering
The team may review school records, grades, attendance, behavior, observations, health information, assessments, outside evaluations, parent input, and information from treatment providers. The evaluation is conducted at no cost to the parent.
Meeting Notice
The family receives notice of the meeting’s date, time, place, and purpose. Parent participation is strongly encouraged and may occur in person, by telephone, or by video conference.
Section 504 Team Meeting
A knowledgeable team meets to review the information. The District Section 504 Coordinator is required, and other members may include an administrator, general education teacher, counselor, nurse, assessment interpreter, and parent.
Eligibility Decision
The team uses a two-part analysis: first, whether the student has a disability; and second, whether the student needs a Section 504 Plan because of the disability.
Plan Development
If the student is eligible and needs a plan, the team writes individualized services, accommodations, or modifications necessary for the student to receive an appropriate education as adequately as nondisabled peers.
Initial Parent Consent and Implementation
The initial plan is not implemented until the parent signs the Accommodation Plan and Meeting Minutes Form. The plan is then shared with the staff members responsible for implementation.
Review and Reevaluation
Families may request a review when needs change or the plan is not working. Students are also reevaluated periodically and before certain significant changes in placement.
How Eligibility Is Determined
The team considers information from multiple sources. A medical diagnosis is not required, grades cannot be the deciding factor, and disability must be interpreted broadly. The team first determines whether the student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. If so, the team then determines whether the student needs a Section 504 Plan.
Not Eligible
The student does not have a disability as defined under Section 504. A Section 504 Plan is not developed.
Technically Eligible
The student has a Section 504 disability and remains protected from discrimination, but the student does not currently require a written Section 504 Plan because the student’s needs are being met as adequately as those of nondisabled peers.
Eligible
The student has a Section 504 disability and, because of the disability, requires services, accommodations, or modifications. The team develops a written Section 504 Plan.
Family Forms and Resources
Make a Referral
Anyone may use the public referral form to share a concern about a student who may need a Section 504 evaluation.
Make a ReferralParent/Student Rights
Review the procedural safeguards available during identification, evaluation, placement, and dispute resolution.
Open RightsWho to Contact When You Have Concerns
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
High Schools
Need additional help? Contact Richard A. Huffer, District Section 504 Coordinator, at
rahuffer@tsc.k12.in.us or 765-474-2481 ext. 8403.
Staff assignments may change. Families may contact the school office and ask for the person listed for their school level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need a medical diagnosis?
No. A diagnosis may provide useful information, but it is not required. The team considers all relevant information and determines whether the student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
Do good grades prevent eligibility?
No. Grades cannot be the determining factor. The team may also consider effort, attendance, symptoms, behavior, stamina, access, and the effect of the disability in school activities.
What should I bring to the meeting?
Families may bring medical information, outside evaluations, treatment records, examples of school concerns, and notes describing how the condition affects the student. Families should also share what has helped the student in the past.
May I participate in the meeting?
Yes. Parent participation is strongly encouraged. Participation may occur in person, by telephone, or by video conference when arranged with the school.
Does every student with a disability receive a plan?
No. A student may be Technically Eligible—meaning the student has a Section 504 disability and is protected from discrimination—but may not require a written plan because the student’s needs are being met as adequately as those of nondisabled peers.
What if the plan is not working?
Contact the school Designated Person and request a review meeting. A review should also be requested when the student’s condition changes, an accommodation is no longer needed, or new disability-related needs arise.
What if I disagree with the team?
Begin by discussing the concern with the school Designated Person or District Section 504 Coordinator. Families may also use the district grievance process, request an impartial due process hearing, or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.