Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section
504 is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination against
“otherwise qualified handicapped individuals” in any program or
activity receiving federal financial assistance, such as public
schools. The main purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit
discrimination while assuring that disabled students have
educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided
to non-disabled students. It is the responsibility of the
District to evaluate and identify students who, within the scope
of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADAA of
2008, are identified as disabled and require special
accommodations and/or services in order to receive a free
appropriate education (FAPE). If a student is found not to be
eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), the requirements of Section 504 may be suitable if
he/she meets the Section 504 definition of a disability, which
is any person who has a physical or mental impa