Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Students with a qualifying disability are entitled to the protection provided under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Section 504 protects students from discrimination due to a disability that substantially limits a major life activity. If your child is suspected of having a qualifying disability under Section 504, the school will convene a Section 504 team to:

1. Determine if your child is eligible under Section 504 based on whether your child has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity and, if your child is eligible,
2. Determine whether your child needs an accommodation plan so that he/she can have equal access to receive an appropriate education.

Please keep in mind, “no person qualifies under Section 504 or the Americans with Disabilities Act simply by virtue of having a physical or mental impairment.” See e.g., Mann v. Louisiana High Sch. Athletic Assoc. Inc., 2013 WL 3475116 (5th Cir. 2013). In order to qualify for Section 504 protections the disability must substantially limit a major life activity.

Section 504 is about providing a student access to a meaningful education. If you suspect that your child might have a disability that would entitle him or her to protection under Section 504, please contact your child’s guidance counselor.

Valley View Community School 603-755-4757

Henry Wilson Memorial School 603-755-2181

Farmington High School 603-755-2811