Section 504: disability and school access criteria

Section 504: disability and school access criteria Qualifications and requirements: Section 504 protects qualified students with a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities, based on an individualized inquiry. Public districts must provide appropriate education to qualified students in their jurisdiction and evaluate suspected disability-related service needs. Documents to prepare (confirm what is required): Written access concerns; School performance and attendance information; Available disability information; Existing evaluations or plans Exceptions and checks: Learning is not the only major life activity considered. A student who does not qualify under IDEA may still need a Section 504 evaluation. Questions to ask: Which major life activity or access need is affected?; Has the district considered Section 504 separately from IDEA? Next steps: Contact the district Section 504 coordinator.; Request an individualized evaluation and ask what information is needed.; Ask for the decision and safeguards in writing. Limits: This does not guarantee a plan or a particular accommodation. Responsible public districts serve Arkansas communities statewide. Prepare documents privately; actual evaluation requirements come from the district.