Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Definition

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding. This law plays a critical role in shaping policies for special education, ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to education and are provided with the necessary accommodations to succeed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Section 504 was enacted in 1973 and is part of the larger Rehabilitation Act, which aimed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.
2. Under Section 504, schools must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities can access and benefit from education on an equal basis with their peers.
3. The law covers a broad range of disabilities, including physical, mental, and learning disabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection against discrimination.
4. Section 504 requires schools to develop a plan for students with disabilities, known as a Section 504 Plan, outlining the specific accommodations and services they will receive.
5. While Section 504 applies to all educational institutions receiving federal funds, it is important to note that it differs from IDEA, which specifically addresses special education services and requires an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for eligible students.

Review Questions

• How does Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensure equal access to education for students with disabilities?
  • Section 504 ensures equal access to education by prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs. Schools are required to provide reasonable accommodations tailored to each student's needs, which can include modifications in teaching methods, classroom environments, or assessment formats. This law helps create an inclusive educational setting where all students, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to succeed academically.
• What is the process for developing a Section 504 Plan for a student, and how does it differ from an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
  • Developing a Section 504 Plan begins with identifying a student's specific needs and documenting their disability. A team typically evaluates the student’s situation and determines necessary accommodations. Unlike an IEP, which is mandated under IDEA and focuses on special education services, a Section 504 Plan is broader and may include various supports outside of special education. It aims at ensuring accessibility rather than providing specialized instruction.
• Evaluate the impact of Section 504 on educational policy and practice for students with disabilities in today's schools.
  • The impact of Section 504 on educational policy and practice is significant as it establishes a framework for inclusion and equality in education. By requiring schools to provide accommodations, it has led to changes in teaching strategies, assessment methods, and resource allocation. Furthermore, it has paved the way for greater awareness and advocacy for the rights of individuals with disabilities within educational settings, influencing how schools approach diversity and support for all learners.

Related terms

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): A federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.

Accommodations: Adjustments or modifications provided to students with disabilities to help them participate fully in educational programs.

Disability: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as defined under Section 504.