• Section 504 Overview

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 973 (Section 504) is Congress’ directive to any ‘recipient’ of federal funding, including schools, to eliminate discrimination based on disability from all aspects of school operation, states, “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability…, shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…”.

     

    As a federally funding entity, Ontario-º¬Ðß²Ýapp School District is required to provide eligible students with disabilities with equal access (both physical and academic) to services, programs and extra-curricular activities.

     

    Typically, there are two main purposes to develop a Section 504 Plan. The first purpose is to protect students from discrimination. Section 504 assures access to not only educational services, programs, and activities equal to students who do not have disabilities, but also assures they are provided effective aids, benefits, and services that are made available to other students.  The second purpose is to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (“FAPE”) that is in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). FAPE may be applicable to general (Section 504 Plan) or special education (Individualized Education Program) students; however, the plan/program in which FAPE is offered varies depending on the students individual needs.

     

    It is the policy of the Ontario-º¬Ðß²Ýapp School District that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act shall be identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services. If you have any questions related to Section 504 Plans, please contact your school site Section 504 Coordinator designee or the SELPA Office at (909) 418-6508.