Section 504
Supporting Students with Disabilities
Some students have a disability that affects their ability to fully participate in school but do not require special education services. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that helps ensure these students have equal access to educational programs, activities, and opportunities.
A Section 504 Plan identifies accommodations and supports that help remove barriers to learning and allow students to participate successfully in school.
Who May Be Eligible?
A student may be eligible for a Section 504 Plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, concentrating, communicating, seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, or caring for themselves.
Every student is unique, so eligibility is determined individually based on information gathered from a variety of sources.
What Does the Review Process Look Like?
If there are concerns that a student may need accommodations, the district's Section 504 Committee reviews available information, which may include:
- Medical information, when appropriate
- Teacher observations
- Classroom performance
- Assessment data
- Parent input
- Other relevant educational records
The committee carefully reviews this information to determine whether the student is eligible for protections under Section 504 and, if so, what accommodations are appropriate to support the student's success at school.
Examples of Accommodations
A Section 504 Plan is individualized to meet each student's needs. Depending on the disability, accommodations may include:
- Preferential seating
- Extended time on assessments
- Health or medical accommodations
- Access to assistive technology
- Organizational supports
- Modified classroom procedures or environmental accommodations
Requesting a Section 504 Review
If you believe your child may benefit from accommodations under Section 504, you may submit a written request for a review to:
Kathy Stuck
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Kstuck@romuluscsd.org
The district will work with you to gather information, explain the review process, and determine whether your child is eligible for a Section 504 Plan.
Temporary Injuries
Students recovering from a temporary injury, such as a broken arm or concussion, may need short-term classroom or testing accommodations. Families should contact their child's building principal to discuss temporary supports that may be appropriate during the recovery period.
Which is right for your student?
