Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity operated by recipients of federal funds.  Section 504 requires public schools to offer accommodations for eligible students with disabilities.  These accommodations help students with special health needs to participate in school programs and activities on an equal basis with their peers who do not have disabilities. 

Your child may be eligible for accommodations through a Section 504 if:

• They have a physical or mental impairment; and

• The impairment substantially limits at least one major life activity. 

Examples of physical or mental impairments:  physical disabilities, health conditions, and in some cases learning disabilities. 

Examples of Major Life Activities:  Caring for oneself, communicating, bending, breathing, doing tasks with one’s hands, eating, focusing, hearing, learning, lifting, major bodily functions, reading, seeing, sleeping, speaking, standing, thinking, walking, working.

The major life activity substantially limited need not be learning for a student to be eligible for 504 accommodations.

Does your child have an impairment that substantially limits them in any of the life activities listed above? If so, your child may qualify for accommodations under Section 504.  Please contact the school psychologist at your child’s school or Dr. Moscicki at fmoscicki@swr.k12.ny.us for additional information or to refer your child to the Section 504 committee.