Section 504 is a federal mandate that requires schools to ensure that in relationship to their non-disabled peers, students with disabilities have equal opportunities to:

• Earn the same results
• Get the same benefit
• Obtain the same level of achievement

WHAT IS SECTION 504?
Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 allows protection against discrimination because of a disability and services to support students with a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

WHAT IS A “PHYSICAL OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT” UNDER SECTION 504?

PHYSICAL

• Any physiological disorder or condition
• Cosmetic disfigurement

Anatomical loss affecting one or more body systems:

• Neurological
• Musculoskeletal
• Special sense organs
• Respiratory
• Speech organs
• Cardiovascular
• Reproductive
• Digestive
• Genito-urinary
• Hemic and lymphatic
• Skin and endocrine

MENTAL

Any mental or psychological disorder such as:

• Intellectual disabilities
• Organic brain syndrome
• Emotional or mental illness
• Specific learning disabilities

WHAT IS A “MAJOR LIFE ACTIVITY” ACCORDING TO SECTION 504?

Activities such as:

• Caring for one’s self
• Performing manual tasks
• Walking
• Hearing
• Speaking
• Breathing
• Learning
• Seeing
• Working

 Contact:  sped504compliance@nps.k12.va.us