SAU 19 Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability or a perceived disability and ensures that students with documented disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities. 

If your student has a documented disability, they may qualify for accommodations through a 504 plan.  Eligibility for a 504 plan is determined through the referral process in which a team is convened.  A typical 504 Team may be comprised of the student (as developmentally appropriate), parents, and those professionals who know the student, understand the evaluation data, or are familiar with reasonable and appropriate accommodations.  The team will conduct a records review to determine if there is a record of a disability.

For 504 eligibility purposes, a disability is defined “a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activity.”  A student may be eligible for a 504 plan if they have a disability as defined by Section 504, and if, because of this disability they require accommodations in order to participate in or benefit from their education as adequately as their non-disabled peers.

SAU 19 is committed to providing a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) to all students.  Families with students with disabilities can start the referral process by contacting the School Counseling Department at their child’s respective school.  For a full disclosure of parent and student rights, refer to the Notice of Parent/Student Safeguards.