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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. 

Each school has a 504 coordinator. To discuss 504 eligibility, contact the following parties:

Island Park and West Mercer: Courtney Deveny

Lakeridge: Uzma Hassan

Northwood: Amy Wick

Islander Middle School: Your child's counselor

Mercer Island High School: Your child's counselor

MISD Section 504 Coordinator

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, Nova Williams.