Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is part of the federal law that guarantees certain rights to persons with disabilities. Section 504 states (in part):  

No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 705(20) of this title, shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.  

Section 504 is not an aspect of special education. Rather, it is a civil rights law and therefore it is the responsibility of the comprehensive general education system.   The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 represent three attempts to improve the living conditions of those with disabilities.   ADA A civil rights law to prohibit discrimination solely on the basis of disability in employment, public services, and accommodations.   IDEA An education act to provide federal financial assistance to State and local education agencies to guarantee special education and related services to eligible children with disabilities.   504 A civil rights law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities, public and private, that receive federal financial assistance.   For more information on ADA, IDEA, and Section 504, visit the U.S. Department of Education link below.  

U.S. Department of Education – Protecting Students with Disabilities