Section 504 and Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are protected in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law is intended to help prevent discrimination based on a disability in programs that are funded by the federal government. This includes public schools, as all public schools comply with federal laws.
Section 504 requires schools to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to all students with disabilities. Schools are required to provide students with necessary accommodations, aids, and services for them to benefit in an equal way as their peers.
There is often a great deal of misunderstanding around section 504. Please review these FAQs to help clarify your understanding regarding your child's education.
- What does FAPE mean?
- What is a disability under section 504?
- Who can refer a student for a 504?
- Do all students protected under section 504 receive accommodations?
- I want my student to have accommodations for testing (HiCap, SAT, ACT, etc.), so how do I get a 504?
- Who do I contact to get a 504?
- What is the process for a student to have a 504?
- What is the difference between an IEP and a 504?
What does FAPE mean?
What is a disability under section 504?
Who can refer a student for a 504?
Do all students protected under section 504 receive accommodations?
I want my student to have accommodations for testing (HiCap, SAT, ACT, etc.), so how do I get a 504?
Who do I contact to get a 504?
What is the process for a student to have a 504?
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504?
Each school has a 504 coordinator. To discuss 504 eligibility, contact the following parties:
Island Park and West Mercer: Courtney Deveny
Lakeridge: Simone Carmel
Northwood: Andrew Schulman
Islander Middle School: Your child's counselor
Mercer Island High School: Your child's counselor
MISD Section 504 Coordinator: Melissa Robertson and Hannah Bolivar
Parent and Student Rights:
Students who qualify for a Section 504 Plan are afforded educational rights. To access these rights and to learn more, please visit the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's website. This site contains information regarding student rights in several languages. If translations are not offered in your preferred language, please contact the MISD Section 504 Coordinator, Beau Preston.