The child must have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person’s major life activities. Major life activities include functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. When a condition does not substantially limit a major life activity, the individual does not qualify under Section 504. The child’s disability must impact their education in order to qualify for educational accommodations. A school team, including parents, makes this determination.

An appropriate education for students eligible under Section 504 may consist of education in general classes with accommodations and programs designed to meet the unique needs of a particular student. Most students under Section 504 receive their services in the general education classroom.

Adjustments in academic requirements and expectations may be necessary to accommodate the needs of an individual student with disabilities to enable him/her to participate in the general education program.

It is important to keep in mind that some students who have physical or mental conditions that limit their ability to access and participate in the education program are entitled to accommodations under Section 504 even though they may not fall into a disability category covered in special education.

	Section 504	Special Education
Type:	Civil Rights Act	Educational Act
Funding:	Local funding	State/federal/local funding
Administration:	Section 504 Coordinator	Special Education Director
Service Tool:	Accommodations	Individualized Education Plan
Disabilities:	All disabilities if eligible	13 federal disabilities
Parents:	Should be involved in all team meetings	Should be involved in all team meetings
Evaluation and Eligibility:	Formal assessments required to determine eligibility for 504 services	Formal assessments required to determine eligibility for special education
Procedural Safeguards:	Notice given to parents	Parent consent and notice required for initial placement