Definition What is it? Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

District 504 Coordinator: Patrick Larkin

504 Informational Brochure

Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. School's Responsibilities Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, regardless of the nature or severity of the person's disability.

Burlington Public Schools

Frequently Asked Questions: What is a 504 Plan? Stemming from the federal law that protects people with disabilities, a 504 Plan is a list of accommodations that allow equal access to school facilities and curriculum. Who determines eligibility for 504 Plans? A team consisting of any of the following applicable people in the student’s life: teachers, school counselor, social worker, nurse, administrator, parent, student and others. How is student eligibility determined? The team will meet to review a variety of data (class work, achievement, evaluations, and other relevant information) to answer two questions: 1. Does the student have a physical or mental impairment? 2. Does this impairment substantially limit one or more major life functions? If the answer to both questions is yes, then the student is eligible.

What is the process following the eligibility determination?

How do teachers access their student’s 504 Plans?

If determined eligible, the school counselor uses the data provided and discussion from the team meeting to formulate a 504 Plan. This plan will contain the necessary accommodations to ensure the student has equal access to his or her learning environment. The plan is then made available to teachers.

Teachers access 504 plans through the District’s information system, X2 Aspen.

Who ensures the 504 Plan is followed? Your child’s School Counselor will ensure your child’s teachers have access to the 504 plan. Teachers and other applicable school personnel are responsible for implementing the accommodations. Compliance issues are forwarded to the . Where is the 504 Plan located? A hard copy of the plan is located in the student’s cumulative file. Electronic copies are available in the District’s information system, X2 Aspen.

How long are 504 Plans valid? A 504 plan is valid so long as the student continues to have an impairment that substantially limits a life function. Plans are reviewed with school counselors on an annual basis to determine if accommodations are still appropriate. Does a 504 Plan allow students to have extra time on the SAT and ACT in high school? Not necessarily. Standardized testing agencies have their own requirements for granting accommodations that are directly related to a student’s disability. Parents can apply to the testing agency to request accommodations. Additional Resources: College Board: www.collegeboard.com/ ACT: www.act.org