Section 504
Supporting Equal Access to Learning
At Hendry County School District, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment. If your child has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, they may be eligible for accommodations through a Section 504 Plan.
Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. A Section 504 Plan helps ensure that students have equal access to educational programs, school activities, and opportunities by providing reasonable accommodations and supports.
What Is a Section 504 Plan?
A Section 504 Plan is a written document that outlines accommodations and supports a student needs to access learning in the general education setting. Unlike an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 Plan does not provide specially designed instruction. Instead, it removes barriers that may interfere with a student's ability to fully participate in school.
Examples of accommodations may include:
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Preferential seating
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Extended time on assignments or tests
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Frequent movement or sensory breaks
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Modified classroom environment
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Health or medical accommodations
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Access to assistive technology
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Behavior supports
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Organizational supports
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Modified testing conditions
Each plan is individualized to meet the student's unique educational needs.
Who May Qualify?
A student may be considered for a Section 504 Plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as:
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Learning
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Reading
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Writing
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Concentrating
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Thinking
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Communicating
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Walking
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Seeing
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Hearing
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Breathing
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Eating
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Caring for oneself
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Performing manual tasks
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Major bodily functions
Having a medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for a Section 504 Plan. The school team reviews multiple sources of information to determine whether the disability substantially impacts the student's ability to access their education.
How Does the Section 504 Process Work?
Step 1: Referral
A referral for Section 504 consideration may be made by:
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A parent or guardian
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A teacher
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A school administrator
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A school counselor
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School staff
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A physician or outside provider
Parents are encouraged to share any medical information, evaluations, or concerns that may help the school understand their child's needs.
Step 2: Review of Information
The school's Section 504 Team reviews available information, which may include:
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Classroom performance
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Grades and academic progress
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Teacher observations
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Parent input
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Medical documentation
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Attendance information
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Behavioral data
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State and district assessments
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Previous evaluations or interventions
Additional evaluations may be requested if needed to determine eligibility.
Step 3: Eligibility Meeting
The Section 504 Team meets to determine whether the student meets eligibility requirements under Section 504.
Parents are important members of this team and are encouraged to actively participate by sharing information about their child's strengths, needs, and educational experiences.
Step 4: Development of the 504 Plan
If the student is determined eligible, the team develops an individualized Section 504 Plan that identifies reasonable accommodations and supports designed to provide equal access to education.
The plan is shared with school staff responsible for implementing the accommodations.
Step 5: Annual Review
Section 504 Plans are reviewed at least once each school year to ensure accommodations remain appropriate. Reevaluations are also conducted periodically or whenever significant changes occur in the student's needs, educational program, or placement.
How Can Parents Prepare?
Parents play an important role throughout the Section 504 process. Before the meeting, it may be helpful to:
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Think about your child's strengths and challenges.
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Write down any concerns regarding school performance.
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Gather recent medical reports or outside evaluations.
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Make a list of accommodations that have been successful.
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Prepare questions for the school team.
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Invite another person to attend the meeting for support if desired.
Your input helps the team make informed decisions that best support your child.
What Happens After the Plan Is Created?
Once the Section 504 Plan is finalized:
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Teachers and school staff receive information about the approved accommodations.
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Accommodations begin to be implemented in the classroom and other school settings.
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Student progress is monitored throughout the school year.
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Parents are encouraged to maintain communication with teachers and school staff regarding their child's progress.
If concerns arise, parents may request a meeting to review the plan at any time.
Parent Rights
Parents have important rights throughout the Section 504 process, including the right to:
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Receive notice regarding meetings and decisions.
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Participate as an equal member of the Section 504 Team.
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Review educational records related to their child.
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Provide medical or educational information for consideration.
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Receive a copy of the Section 504 Plan.
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Request a review or reevaluation if circumstances change.
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Access procedural safeguards if disagreements arise regarding eligibility, accommodations, or implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Section 504 Plan and an IEP?
A Section 504 Plan provides accommodations that allow students with disabilities equal access to education. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) provides specially designed instruction and related services for students who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Does a medical diagnosis automatically qualify my child?
No. A medical diagnosis is considered by the Section 504 Team, but eligibility is based on whether the impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities within the educational setting.
Can I request a Section 504 evaluation?
Yes. Parents may request that their child's school consider their child for a Section 504 evaluation if they believe a disability is affecting school performance or access to educational programs.
Can my child's plan be changed?
Yes. The Section 504 Team may review and revise the plan whenever a student's educational or medical needs change. Parents may request a meeting at any time if they believe modifications are needed.
We're Here to Help
Hendry County School District values the partnership between families and schools. If you have questions about Section 504 eligibility, accommodations, or the evaluation process, please contact your child's school or the Hendry County School District Exceptional Student Education and Student Services Department. Our team is committed to working collaboratively with families to ensure every student has equitable access to learning and opportunities for success.
https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504