2. Section 504….again

3. Question #1 Section 504 is… a. the most confusing legislation ever written! b. a law that is 38 years old. c. a declaration of disability. d. all of the above.

4. Question #2 Our school should consider holding a 504 eligibility determination when… a. a referral is made by anyone who has a legitimate interest in and knowledge of the student. b. all of the preparation for FCAT is done. c. the parent contacts the ESE Dept., the Superintendent’s Office, or an attorney.

5. Question #3 When a parent brings in a medical diagnosis for 504 consideration we should… a. let it get buried on the counselor’s desk and hope the parent forgets about it. b. immediately pull up the student’s grades to discover they are “just fine” and tell the parent the student will not be eligible. c. schedule a team meeting to discuss the implications of the diagnosis and follow the process to determine if the student is eligible.

6. Question #4 Under Section 504 a disability is defined as… a. a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. b. an anti-discrimination law. c. an eligibility for accommodations only in the K-12 system. d. a formal method to ensure equal access. e. all of the above.

7. Eligibility has two prongs First, establish existence of a disability The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 defines an individual with a disability as any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment. Second, establish need for accommodations “substantial limitation of one or more major life activities”

8. Definition of “Major Life Activities” Major Life Activities include but are not limited to: Caring for one’s self Seeing Breathing Working Walking Performing manual tasks Learning Hearing Speaking

9. a. a law conference annually. b. a law conference dedicated to Section 504 specifically. c. a 504 training and manual to all guidance counselors during the 2009-2010 school year. d. all of the above. Question #5 Regarding Section 504, the District has provided…

10. Common misunderstandings clarified… ESE/IEP students are 504 students – IEPs are a type of 504 Plan Interventions are not a requirement before 504 determination Parents can be asked to provide a medical diagnosis – being cautious in how we do so District procedures call for an annual review of the 504 Plan. Accommodations are meant to be faded or omitted over time as appropriate for the student’s disability and age

11. Things staff should NEVER say… “If we do that for your child, we’ll have to do it for everyone.” “We don’t do that here.” “We don’t have time to do that accommodation.” “Oh, we didn’t know your child had a 504 Plan.”

12. Other commons issues or questions… Discipline procedures for students with 504 Plans mirror those for students with IEPs ESE Director is the 504 District Coordinator 504 Complaints go to the Office of Civil Rights Transfer students’ 504 plans must be honored until we determine eligibility here

13. Question #6 When the term 504 is mentioned we should… a. follow the process. b. inform our staff as to how to proceed (especially office staff with whom parents may share this information). c. follow the process. d. PANIC! e. follow the process.