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Section 504

SECTION 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Section 504 provides: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . .”

 

What is the school’s responsibility under Section 504? 

The Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students are met.

 

Evaluation

At the elementary and secondary school levels, determining whether a child is a qualified disabled student under Section 504 begins with the evaluation process. Section 504 requires the use of evaluation procedures that ensure that children are not misclassified, unnecessarily labeled as having a disability, or incorrectly placed, based on inappropriate selection, administration, or interpretation of evaluation materials.

 

What process should a school district use to identify students eligible for services under Section 504? Is it the same process as that employed in identifying students eligible for services under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – or, Special Ed)? 

School districts may use the same process to evaluate the needs of students under Section 504 as they use to evaluate the needs of students under the IDEA. If school districts choose to adopt a separate process for evaluating the needs of students under Section 504, they must follow the requirements for evaluation specified in the Section 504 regulatory provision at 34 C.F.R. 104.35.

 

Are there any impairments which automatically mean that a student has a disability under Section 504?

No. An impairment, in and of itself, is not a disability. The impairment must substantially limit one or more major life activities in order to be considered a disability under Section 504.

Contact Information

District Wide Section 504 Coordinator
Wendy J. Karsevar

(559) 327-9385 
WendyKarsevar@cusd.com

Each school site has at least one site 504 coordinator.  If you feel your child may qualify for a 504 plan based on a disability, please contact the school site directly.

Additionally, if you would like further information about Section 504, or have a concern about your child’s 504 plan, please do not hesitate to contact the district 504 office. 

504 Records

If you need to request 504 records please contact the 504 Registrar.  See our Records Request page for additional information.

 

504 Registrar

Stephanie Pizana

Phone: (559) 327-9391
Fax:      (559) 327-9440
StephaniePizana@CUSD.com