Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Geneva 304 provides a free and appropriate education for students who are eligible for a 504 plan by individually designing accommodations/modifications and or services to meet their educational needs in the same manner as their non-disabled peers.
It is important to note, that students with a Section 504 plan are considered general education students.
In order to be eligible for services within a Section 504 plan, a student must have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life functions.
Child Find/Identifying Students for 504 plans
Students who are currently enrolled in grades K-12 and attending a District 304 school may be referred for an a Section 504 evaluation. This referral may be initiated if a student has a mental or physical impairment that is adversely impacting the student in the classroom. The outcomes of the Section 504 evaluation will determine if the student is eligible under Section 504 and requires a 504 plan.
504 Plans
A team of individuals that have knowledge of the student develops a written plan that identifies the accommodations/modifications and services a student needs to access the general education.