Section 504

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. District 203 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 under a section 504 plan, a student must have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life functions.  

A mental or physical disability includes but is not limited to: ADHD, anxiety, allergies, asthma, blind, deaf, autism, diabetes, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, visual impairment, depression, bipolar, HIV/AIDS, learning disability, and an emotional disability.

A major life function includes but is not limited to: caring for self, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, working, body functioning

Child Find/Identifying Students for 504 plans:

Students who are currently enrolled in grades K-12 and attending a District 203 school may be referred for an evaluation by their parents or the school team. To refer a child for a 504 evaluation, a letter should be submitted to the school principal identifying the areas of concern. A team knowledgeable about the student will determine if an evaluation and/or a 504 plan is appropriate.  

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.

Each building has a Section 504 Coordinator, please contact him/her for more information.  Also, Melissa McHenry, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, is the District 504 compliance officer.