1. 504 Plans Egg Harbor Township School District October 10, 2014 Presented by Dr. Bruce Singer

2. What is a 504 Plan? Part of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Designed to combat discrimination against individuals with disabilities in services, programs and activities by any entity that receives federal funds, including public schools. Section 504 is concerned with the necessary accommodations that allows students to access their education

3. Amendment Act of 2008 Effective January 1, 2009 Amended the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Changed the definition of disability and impacted how students were found eligible through Section 504.

4. Office of Civil Rights Oversees Section 504 Different department than the one that oversees special education Section 504 has different grievance processes

5. Section 504 Schools have an obligation to identify and evaluate students who may have a disability. The is no obligation to seek out student’s who may need a 504 Plan. Includes students who may have a disability but do not qualify under special education. It is better to refer a student than to miss adjusting a specific student needs Anyone can refer a student for a 504 Plan.

6. Physical or Mental Impairments A physiological condition which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Substantially Limit is not quantifiably defined or measured. Students are unable to perform a Major Life Activity that the average same-age student can.

7. Eligibility Eligible “At will” provision Physical or mental impairment Physiological Substantially impacts a life activity Routine functions

8. Life Activities BreathingCaring for ones selfHearingLearning Performing manual tasksSeeingSpeaking WalkingWorking

9. Expanded Life Activities BendingCommunicatingConcentratingEating LiftingBodily functionsReadingSleeping StandingThinking

10. Determination AdministratorParent/GuardianTeacher NurseGuidance Counselor CST Member

11. Information for Eligibility Parent Report Health/Medical records Academic Testing School Records Physician reports Grades (note: not to be used as a determination)

12. Temporary Impairments Must “Substantially Limit” one or more major life activities Impairment usually lasts less than 6 months Schools should work to establish a health plan (ex. broken arm) Consideration given to Nurse’s Plan Review on a Case by Case basis.

13. Accommodations Must address the students identified disability Be clear and specific to students needs Anything impacting access to the school day

14. Procedural Safeguards Parental Consent is required for initial evaluation Schools are not required to develop a 504 Plan and an IEP Exclusion from the educational program of more than 10 school days is a change in placement. Important not to over-extend accommodations “Additional Supports (ex. HW Club) do not need to be included in the Plan.

15. Legal Document No content areas are to be considered “optional” If changes are necessary, the school agrees to meet and update the Plan. 504 Plans are to be reviewed every year. Eligibility should be considered every three years with current documentation of the disability.