It is the intent of the District to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.

Students may be a qualified disabled person under this law even though they are not eligible for services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”).

Section 504 is a civil rights law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance

from the U.S. Department of Education. A child is a “qualified disabled person” under Section 504 if the child (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working), has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment; and (2) is between the ages of 3 to 21 years old.

As stated in Policy No. 0010, Instructional Philosophy, the District will serve students with disabilities as general education students first and provide the services and supports in accordance with the student’s plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, this policy, and accompanying procedure (Section 504 Plan) or their Individualized Education Program as provided under Board Policy No. 2161, Special Education, and its accompanying procedure. As stated in Policy No. 0030, Ensuring Educational and Racial Equity, the District is committed to eliminating racial disproportionality in all aspects of education, and to raising the achievement of all students, while narrowing the gaps between the lowest and highest performing students. This includes students with disabilities.

The Superintendent or their designee shall establish and distribute a Procedural Guide for Education of Students with Disabilities under Section 504  to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 are educated in full compliance with the law.