| Students with disabilities who do not meet the criteria for services under the Committee on Special Education, may meet the criteria for receiving accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These accommodations are also covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In essence, the laws state that access to employment and programs cannot be denied to someone with a disability. Reasonable accommodations must be provided. This has been extended to education to provide students with program and testing accommodations.
In order to receive a 504 Accommodation Plan, a student must have a documented disability that impacts on a student’s education. The 504 Accommodation Plan is a legal document. A referral is made to the building 504 Committee. The building administrator or designee chairs the meeting. Based on the evaluations, teacher, and parent reports, a plan is formulated. Accommodations include, but are not limited to testing accommodations, program modifications, and a related service. It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to ensure that the Plan is being followed. Plans are reviewed as needed, but usually at least once per year. Committee membership is not mandated by law and varies from building to building.
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