Section 504

  • Overview
    Section 504 graphic
    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination and requires that school districts provide reasonable accommodations to those who qualify.

    Accommodations are provided in the general education classroom environment because students with Section 504 plans must always be served in the Least-Restrictive Environment (LRE).

    The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has generally held that if a child’s needs cannot be met in general education with accommodations, the student should be referred for evaluation to determine special education eligibility.

    Definition

    Section 504 defines a person with a disability as any person who:

    1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities without considering the effects of mitigating factors,
    2. has a record of such impairment; or
    3. is regarded as having such impairment.

  • Process

    Section 504 referrals are initiated through the campus 504 coordinator, (typically an assistant principal) at your child’s campus.  The complete list of Hays CISD campus coordinators can be found here:

    Link to 504 Campus Coordinators

    Please contact your campus 504 coordinator with any questions you may have regarding evaluation, accommodations or other supports.  If you have additional concerns, feel free to reach out to our district-level supervisor. 

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