Section 504 is a federal law requiring school districts to provide students with disabilities appropriate educational services designed to meet the individual needs of such students to the same extent as the needs of students without disabilities are met.

An appropriate education for a student with a disability under the Section 504 regulations could consist of education in regular classrooms, education in regular classes with supplementary services, and/or special education and related services.

To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to:

(1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or

(2) have a record of such an impairment; or

(3) be regarded as having such an impairment. The impairment and/or diagnosis must cause a substantial limitation on the student's ability to learn or another major life activity.

What is the difference between Section 504 and Special Education?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law which prohibits discrimination against students based on disability.

Section 504 ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to educational programs, services, and activities. Special education is governed by the IDEA.

Accommodations and/or related aids and services provided under Section 504 are included in a Section 504 Plan.

Special Education is different from Section 504 because special education requires school districts to provide eligible students with specially designed instruction in accordance with an IEP. 

Students eligible for special education, however, are still protected from discrimination under Section 504 and have appropriate accommodations and/or related aides and services included as part of their IEP.