ARMS Section 504

Section 504 is a Civil Rights Law

• True

• False

Answer explanation

“Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act banned discrimination on the basis of disability for organizations that received federal funds. 

Modeled after the Civil Rights Act (1964), the law not only brought significant legal change, but it also served as a public acknowledgement of the discrimination and prejudice expressed towards those with disabilities in the United States.”

Implementing the student’s Section 504 

accommodation(s) outlined in their Section 504 Plan is optional if the student does not need 

the accommodation(s) in my class.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A student’s Section 504 Plan is a legal document.

“...teachers must implement the provisions of Section 504 plans when those plans govern the teachers' treatment of students for whom they are responsible. 

If the teachers fail to implement the plans, such failure can cause the school district to be in noncompliance with Section 504.”

f a student no longer needs a specific accommodation, 

as a teacher, I am able to recommend that the Section 504 team reconvene to discuss making changes 

to the student’s Section 504 Plan.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

You are an important member of your students’ Section 504 team.

“The committee determines what accommodations and/or services must be provided in order that the student may receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).”

When a parent files a formal Section 504 complaint, the Georgia Department of Education is in charge of investigating the complaint.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigates concerns related to Section 504.

“OCR receives complaints from parents, students or advocates, conducts agency initiated compliance reviews, and provides technical assistance to school districts, parents or advocates.”

School systems in violation of Section 504 

can lose federal funding.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

“States do not receive extra funding for eligible students. But the federal government can take funding away from programs (including schools) that don’t comply.”

Parents must provide medical documentation documenting 

that their child has a physical and/or mental impairment 

in ordered to be considered eligible for Section 504.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

If a LEA determines based on the facts that a medical assessment is necessary, the LEA must ensure that the student receives this assessment at no cost to the student's parents.