Section 504

Evaluation under Section 504 requires a review of evaluation data from a variety of sources. Evaluation data may include a collection of data (ex. school records, medical reports, behavioral rating scales, outside evaluation reports, informal assessments etc.), parent input, speaking with outside professionals (with parent/guardian consent) who either made a diagnosis or are working with the student. Unlike most IDEA evaluations, Section 504 evaluations do not necessarily involve formal testing.

Although a medical diagnosis of ADHD is one source of data to consider, it is not sufficient for establishing a disability under Section 504.

No. An impairment in and of itself is not a disability. The impairment must substantially limit one or more major life activities in order to be considered a disability under Section 504.

Section 504 does not provide an operational definition of “substantial limitation” and is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Section 504 Team. Under Section 504, the 504 Team is comprised of a group of persons who are knowledgeable about the student, knowledgeable about the meaning of the evaluation data and knowledgeable about placement options.

Regular education teachers must implement the provisions of Section 504 Accommodation Plans when those plans govern the teachers’ treatment of students for whom they are responsible.