Section 504 Service Agreements

Section 504 (of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.  Section 504 provides: "No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States... shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . ."  

The Downingtown Area School District complies with federal law by providing accommodations, services, and/or aids to students who have disabilities that substantially limit their ability to access their education.  A student who qualifies as a protected handicapped student is eligible to receive supports under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 through a Section 504 Service Agreement.

The determination of whether a student meets criteria for accommodations under Section 504 is an individualized determination based on a student’s unique needs. For questions regarding Section 504 Service Agreements, please contact your student’s School Counselor.
 

As a protected handicapped student, your student has certain rights that are described in the Procedural Safeguards.

PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS (SPANISH VERSION)

From U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools