Section 504’s General Provisions Myth #1: SST is just the way to special education.” “The Reality: It’s the way to never get there in the first place and an appropriate group for addressing 504 issues. The General Existence of 504 Myth #2 don’t DO Section504 here.” “We Reality: Sure we do! Make sure everyone is familiar with Section 504 and systems policies and procedures for addressing the issues. Myth #3 504 really exist.” “Section Reality: Sure it does! Myth #4 provides more protections than IDEA.” “Section504 Reality: Not really. While the definition of may be broader than the IDEA’s, Section 504’s “disability” procedural safeguards and requirements related to FAPE are not nearly as extensive. It simply prevents discrimination solely on the basis of disability in the provision of all services, activities, and programs. Defining Disability Myth #5 Special services are only for special education students. It’s our School System’s policy “Sorry. that because he isn’t eligible for special education, there’s nothing more we can do for him right now.” Reality: The definition of under Section 504 is so broad that a student who is not disabled “disability” under the IDEA might still be disabled under Section 504 and in need of special services. Definition of with a disability” “individual A person is disabled if he/she: Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; Has a record of such an impairment; or Is regarded as having such an impairment Definition of or mental impairment” “physical
Section 504’s General Provisions Myth #1: “The SST is just the way to special education.” Reality: It’s the way to never get there in the first place and an appropriate group for addressing 504 issues. The General Existence of 504 Myth #2 “We don’t DO Section504 here.” Reality: Sure we do! Make sure everyone is familiar with Section 504 and systems policies and procedures for addressing the issues. Myth #3 “Section 504 really exist.” Reality: Sure it does! Myth #4 “Section504 provides more protections than IDEA.” Reality: Not really. While the definition of “disability” may be broader than the IDEA’s, Section 504’s procedural safeguards and requirements related to FAPE are not nearly as extensive. It simply prevents discrimination solely on the basis of disability in the provision of all services, activities, and programs. Defining Disability Myth #5 “Sorry. Special services are only for special education students. It’s our School System’s policy that because he isn’t eligible for special education, there’s nothing more we can do for him right now.” Reality: The definition of “disability” under Section 504 is so broad that a student who is not disabled under the IDEA might still be disabled under Section 504 and in need of special services. Definition of “individual with a disability” A person is disabled if he/she: Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; Has a record of such an impairment; or Is regarded as having such an impairment Definition of “physical or mental impairment”