Section 504
WHAT IS SECTION 504?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance.
Students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities may qualify for accommodations through a Section 504 Plan. These accommodations help ensure students have equal access to educational opportunities and school activities.
Rogers Public Schools complies with Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and provides eligible students with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
IS MY CHILD ELIGIBLE?
A student may qualify for a Section 504 Plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Examples of major life activities include:
✔ Learning
✔ Reading
✔ Writing
✔ Concentrating
✔ Thinking
✔ Communicating
✔ Walking
✔ Seeing
✔ Hearing
✔ Breathing
✔ Eating
✔ Caring for oneself
Eligibility is determined by a school-based team that reviews multiple sources of information about the student's educational needs. A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for Section 504 services.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
Referral
A parent, guardian, or school staff member may request that a student be considered for Section 504 services.
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Evaluation
The school gathers and reviews information to determine whether the student meets Section 504 eligibility requirements.
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Eligibility Meeting
A team reviews the information and determines whether the student qualifies for protections under Section 504.
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Section 504 Plan
If eligible, the team develops an individualized accommodation plan designed to support the student's success at school.
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Annual Review
The student's Section 504 Plan is reviewed regularly and updated as needed to ensure accommodations continue to meet the student's needs.
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
PARENT INFORMATION
Notice of Parent & Student Rights – English
REFERRAL FORMS
Section 504 Referral Form – English
Section 504 Referral Form – Marshallese
Section 504 Referral Form – Spanish
Parent/Guardian Input Form – English
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Personal Electronic Device Exceptions
Under Arkansas's Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, students are generally prohibited from using personal electronic devices during the instructional day.
Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) may be considered for an exception when a personal electronic device is necessary to provide a service or support that cannot otherwise be provided by the district.
The need for the device must be documented in the student's educational plan and approved through the appropriate review process.
Examples of approved exceptions may include:
- Diabetes or glucose monitoring devices
- Assistive communication applications for students with hearing or vision impairments
Each request is reviewed individually by the student's educational team and building administration. Approved exceptions are reviewed at least annually.
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Filing a Complaint
Parents and students who believe discrimination has occurred on the basis of disability have the right to file a Section 504 complaint.
The complaint process includes the following steps:
- Discuss the concern with the teacher when appropriate.
- Meet with the school's Section 504 designee.
- Meet with the building principal if needed.
- Submit a written grievance to the District Section 504 Coordinator.
- Appeal the decision to the Superintendent if necessary.
The availability of the district grievance process does not prevent parents or students from filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.