What is Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination/harassment on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.  The District has specific responsibilities related to the provision of a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to school-age individuals with disabilities under Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Section 504: Family Information

Please take a look at the Family Resources documents available to provide you with information on helping children learn at home and distance learning.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination/harassment on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.  The District has specific responsibilities related to the provision of a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to school-age individuals with disabilities under Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

To meet the criteria for Section 504 protections, a child must: 

• Have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; 
• Have a record of such impairment; or be regarded as having such an impairment. 

The written 504 Plan is used to document that the school district and school site are engaged in a process to identify and address the needs of a student with a disability and to communicate, to school personnel, the information needed for successful implementation. The Office of Civil Rights encourages schools to document a student’s Section 504 services in a written plan to help avoid misunderstandings or confusion about what Section 504 services the school offered the student. Note, however, that IDEA-eligible students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are not required to also have a Section 504 plan.  For these students, the IEP developed and implemented by Special Education is sufficient.

If you have questions or need guidance related to Section 504, please contact your site administrator or the District 504 Coordinator, Jennifer Robles at JRobles@stocktonusd.net or (209) 933-7130 ext. 2617.