Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination against persons with a handicap in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a handicap as anyone who:
- Has mental or physical impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activity including working and learning.
- Has a record of such an impairment or
- Is regarded as having such an impairment
Public schools have an obligation under Section 504 to avoid discrimination in policies and practices. No discrimination against any person with a handicap will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs in Denair Unified School District. Public schools are also responsible to identify, evaluate and if the student is determined eligible under Section 504, to access appropriate educational services. This includes students who are not eligible for special education services as well as those that do qualify for special education programs.
Parents and teachers are encouraged to utilize the Student Study Team process to learn more about the full range of program accommodations, modifications and services available to 504 eligible students.