{"id":354953,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/special-education-and-disabilities\/504-accommodations-in-schools.html"},"modified":"2023-10-10T15:24:18","modified_gmt":"2023-10-10T20:24:18","slug":"504-accommodations-in-schools","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/special-education-and-disabilities\/504-accommodations-in-schools.html","title":{"rendered":"504 Accommodations in Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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504 Accommodations in Schools<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The world of special education can seem complex. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand its concepts and terms. Sometimes, students with disabilities do not qualify under the classification of disabled under state or federal laws. Yet, they may still need accommodations to succeed in school.<\/p>\r\n

If you are a parent or guardian, you will want to be familiar with 504 accommodations. This is a term from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973<\/a>. This federal civil rights law ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights<\/a> (OCR) enforces it.<\/p>\r\n

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973<\/a> is a federal law that bans discrimination against people with disabilities. In the school setting, these accommodations refer to simple, inexpensive changes a school must make. These changes allow students with disabilities the chance to succeed in a classroom setting.<\/p>\r\n

Section 504 does not require schools to provide individualized educational programs (IEPs). This is unlike those required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act<\/a> (IDEA). Yet, Section 504 is still a federal law that schools must follow.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides a brief overview of Section 504 accommodations.<\/p>\r\n

What Is a Disability?<\/h2>\r\n

A disability, under Section 504<\/a>, is a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Disabilities can vary widely. Disabilities can include mental impairments. This can include ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. It can also include epilepsy, food allergies, dwarfism, bipolar disease, and many more. They can also include physical impairments.<\/p>\r\n

Schools use assessments that evaluate the child’s needs. This determines the child’s eligibility for 504 accommodations. If a child needs special education services, the school district or education agency must provide them. This is part of the child’s rights under federal civil rights laws.<\/p>\r\n

What Are Reasonable Accommodations?<\/h2>\r\n

Section 504 requires schools to make reasonable accommodations for students. These accommodations help people with disabilities<\/a> learn better. Reasonable accommodations are modifications that allow students with disabilities to access school programs. They also allow students to receive educational benefits. Schools can not ban students from participating without giving them reasonable accommodations.<\/p>\r\n

Examples of reasonable 504 accommodations may include:<\/p>\r\n