Section 504

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is one of several federal and state laws that protect students with disabilities. Section 504 is a federal civil rights statute prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

    Section 504 Manual (revised 2022)

  • How do I get my child evaluated for Section 504 eligibility?

    Contact the 504 Liaison at your child’s school. Every Broward County Public School has a Section 504 designee.

  • What does the Section 504 evaluation entail?

    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.

  • My doctor has provided a prescription with a diagnosis of ADHD and for 504 accommodations. Is my child eligible for Section 504 based on that documentation?

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

  • Are there any impairment’s which automatically mean that a student has 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.

  • Does a medical diagnosis of an illness automatically mean a student can receive services under Section 504?

    No. A medical diagnosis of an illness does not mean a student can receive services under Section 504. The illness must cause a substantial limitation on the student’s ability to learn or another major life activity.

  • Can you define substantial limitation as described 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.

  • What are the responsibilities of regular education teachers with respect to implementation of Section 504 Accommodation Plans?

    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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

    •     Exceptional Student Education Division at
          Arthur Ashe Campus

          1701 NW 23rd Avenue

          Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33311

          Phone: 754-321-3400

          Mindy Encalada

          District 504/ADA Specialist

          TBD

          District 504/ADA Specialist

    •    

          Stephanie Acosta Castro  

          Director, ESE Support/Compliance  

       

          Diane Eagan

          Executive Director