Section 504 forbids organizations and employers from excluding or denying individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services. It defines the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate in, and have access to, program benefits and services.

Who is Protected from Discrimination?
Section 504 protects qualified individuals with disabilities. Section 504 defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working;
  
• Has a record of such impairment or;
  
• Is regarded as having such an impairment.

Section 504 is designed to provide equal access in general education to students with disabilities, thereby leveling the playing field for them through what is known as a Section 504 Accommodation Plan.

What is child find?
Pursuant to 5.01.2, each public agency must implement child find requirements as set out in §3.00 of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The District has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate and, if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students. For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, or for answers to any questions you might have about identification please contact the building level or district coordinator. Who Should I Contact to Request a 504 Referral Conference for My Child? Please contact your child's building 504 coordinator to schedule a 504 referral conference (see below). At this conference, your child's eligibility for a 504 plan will be determined by the 504 team.