Section 504 Plan

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law to protect individuals with disabilities against discrimination. Schools may not discriminate against students who are otherwise qualified to participate in school activities but are inhibited by a disability from participating to the same extent as non-disabled peers. To be eligible for support under Section 504, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. This can include a student with a “record of such impairment” or “regarded as having an impairment.” 

• For students with disabilities who are eligible under Section 504, a 504 Plan is a document that identifies an individual’s impairment, the major life activity/activities that are substantially limited by the impairment, the need(s) that extend from the impairment, and the services, aids, accommodations, and modifications needed to address those needs.

In order to determine that a student who has been assessed is eligible, the evaluation team must conclude that:The student has a physical or mental condition (i.e., any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genito-urinary, hemic, lymphatic, skin, and endocrine or any mental or psychological disorder such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disability) that substantially limits one or more of the student’s major life activities (i.e., caring for one’s self, performing menial tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, breathing, learning, and working) or major bodily functions (i.e., functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions); has record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. Because of the identified disabling condition, the student is in need of accommodations/adaptations and/or related services.

Any parent, staff member, or student may request an evaluation to determine a student’s potential eligibility for a 504 Plan. Written requests should be directed to the building principal or school psychologist. Additional information is available by contacting the Director of Student Services.

A reevaluation of each initial evaluation will be conducted every three (3) years or more frequently if conditions warrant. A reevaluation should be considered if there is significant change in the student’s medical status or performance, when a change of placement is being considered (could be as a result of a long-term suspension) or when a significant reduction in services or termination of services is being considered.

District 67 has designated the school psychologists, school social workers, school nurses, or other certified personnel at each building, under the direct supervision of the Director of Student Services, to facilitate/case manage its effort to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under the ADA and Section 504.

The Director of Students Services will attain the duties and responsibilities of the District ADA/Section 504 Coordinator. Primary duties shall include answering questions regarding rights and responsibilities under the ADA and Section 504 and investigating any complaint or grievance alleging noncompliance with ADA or Section 504.

Section 504 Parent Rights

Pursuant to Board of Education Policy 6:120, District 67 does not discriminate against students on the basis of disability as defined under the regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ("Section 504") and the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) as regards to access to or the use of the District's programs, services and activities. Pursuant to Board of Education Policy 6:120, it is also this District's policy to /provide a free appropriate public education to all students with disabilities in conformance with the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA") and Section 504. For more information, please contact Molly Escobar, Director of Student Services, mescobar@lfschools.net.

• The Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and Section 504 require that each program, service, and activity offered by the School District be readily accessible to and usable by qualified individuals with disabilities or handicaps when viewed in its entirety. 

• A "grievance" is any complaint under the ADA/Section 504 by an individual with a disability who:

  • Meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in or receipt of the benefits of a program, activity, or service offered by the School District, and

  • Believes he or she has been excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of any program, service, or activity of District 67 or has been subject to discrimination by District 67 based on his or her disability or handicap.

  • District 67 will endeavor to respond to and resolve grievances without resorting to the formal grievance procedure established by the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure. However, a person who wishes to avail himself or herself of the formal Uniform Grievance Procedure may do so only by filing a written grievance within three hundred sixty-five (365) calendar days of the alleged discrimination. 

  • The ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (Ms. JoAnn Ford-Halvorsen, Director of Student Services) shall provide a copy of the Uniform Grievance Procedure and the required complaint form to anyone who requests it or desires to file a formal grievance.