What is Section 504?

Section 504 is part of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was enacted by Congress to combat discrimination against individuals with disabilities in services, programs and activities.

Which Students Qualify for Coverage Under Section 504?

Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provide specific protections for “qualified individuals with a disability.” There are three categories that may qualify someone as an “individual with a disability.” These are:

1.  A person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities;
2.  A person who has a record of such an impairment; or
3.  A person who is regarded as having such impairment.

Most of the student situations that schools encounter involve students with actual current impairments that substantially limit a major life activity. These students may need specific services and accommodations in order to access the school program, but it may occasionally also be true that an eligible child under Section 504 is not in need of any interventions at the present time. 

If you would like more information regarding possible 504 accommodations, please contact John Welsh at 360-473-1012 or email john.welsh@bremertonschools.org.