Section 504

Section 504 is a federal civil-rights law that protects qualified students with disabilities from discrimination. It requires schools to provide equal access to educational programs, activities, and services.

A referral may be initiated by a parent, school employee, medical provider, or community agency. Referrals are submitted through TSC’s online referral process.

No. A diagnosis is important information, but it does not automatically establish eligibility. The Section 504 Team reviews multiple sources of information to determine whether the student has an impairment, whether it substantially limits a major life activity, and whether the student needs a Section 504 Plan.

The referral is reviewed. If an evaluation is appropriate, the parent receives notice and is asked to provide consent. The team then gathers information, conducts the evaluation, and meets to determine eligibility and whether a plan is needed.

The evaluation must be completed in a timely manner. The exact amount of time may vary depending on the information needed, scheduling, and whether additional records or assessments are required.

The meeting includes a group of people knowledgeable about the student, the evaluation information, and available supports. This commonly includes the parent, District Section 504 Coordinator, teacher, school administrator, counselor, nurse, or others with relevant knowledge.

Yes. A parent may bring an advocate, family member, service provider, or another person who has knowledge of the student or can support the parent during the meeting.

The team will explain the decision and the information considered. A Not Eligible determination means the student does not meet the eligibility requirements under Section 504 at that time.

Technically Eligible means the student has a disability that substantially limits a major life activity, but the student does not currently require a Section 504 Plan to receive an appropriate education.

If the team determines the student is Eligible and needs a plan, the team develops an individualized Section 504 Plan identifying the accommodations, services, or modifications the student requires.

Students receiving services under Section 504 are periodically reevaluated. A reevaluation may also occur sooner when requested or when there is evidence that the student’s needs or placement may have changed.

Yes. The Section 504 Team may add, remove, or revise accommodations when the team determines a change is needed based on current information and the student’s individual needs.

Parents and students have procedural safeguards, including the right to receive notice, review relevant records, and challenge decisions through available dispute-resolution procedures.

Open Parent/Student Rights

Start with the student’s teacher, counselor, school administrator, or Section 504 Designated Person. District-level concerns may be directed to the District Section 504 Coordinator.

Staff must refer a student when they suspect the student has a disability and may need disability-related services, accommodations, or modifications to receive an appropriate education. A referral should not be delayed while interventions are attempted.

Yes. Parent permission is not required to make a referral. Parent consent is required before conducting an initial evaluation.

No. Eligibility is determined by the Section 504 Team after reviewing multiple sources of information. A diagnosis alone does not establish that the student is substantially limited or requires a Section 504 Plan.

• Not Eligible: The student does not meet Section 504 eligibility requirements.
• Technically Eligible: The student has a qualifying disability but does not currently need a plan.
• Eligible: The student has a qualifying disability and needs a Section 504 Plan.

Accommodations should be reconsidered when they are ineffective, unnecessary, inconsistently implemented, or when the student’s needs, medical condition, educational setting, or performance changes.

Submit a reevaluation meeting request so the Section 504 Team can review the request, relevant information, and whether the accommodation is necessary for the student to receive an appropriate education.

As a general rule, plans are not amended without a meeting. Accommodation decisions are made by a knowledgeable Section 504 Team based on current information and the student’s individual needs.

No. Staff are required to implement the accommodations written in the student’s current Section 504 Plan. Concerns about an accommodation should be brought to the Designated Person or District Section 504 Coordinator.

Document the concern and notify the school’s Designated Person. A reevaluation meeting may be needed to consider changes.

Do not force the student to use the accommodation. Document the refusal, continue making the accommodation available as appropriate, and notify the Designated Person so the team can determine whether further action is needed.

It is required before a disciplinary change in placement for a student who has an active 504 plan. The team determines whether the conduct was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the disability or resulted from a failure to implement the plan.

The school submits a Move-In Referral and forwards the existing plan to the District Section 504 Office. A review will be scheduled unless the District Section 504 Coordinator determines that a reevaluation is required.

The current PDF is available from the Procedural Guide button at the top of this page.

Open Procedural Guide (PDF)