Section 504 and Individuals with Disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination/harassment based on disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.  The district has specific responsibilities for providing a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to school-age individuals with disabilities under Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
 
To meet the criteria for Section 504 protection, a child must: have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, have a record of such impairment, or be regarded as having such an impairment.
 
As a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), the definition of disability under the ADA and Section 504 has been broadened. The new law eliminated the consideration of ameliorative effects of mitigating measures when determining whether a student has a disability, though they remain relevant when evaluating students' needs for accommodations/related services. This means more students may be eligible for Section 504 nondiscrimination protection. Related services may include, but are not limited to, counseling, language and speech services, and occupational therapy, contingent on a student's individual needs and assessment data.
 
For more information about the District's Section 504 programs and services, please contact the Director of Pupil Personnel Services, 310-676-2276

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Condition-Specific Fact Sheets (Section 504 Protections)

Long COVID under Section 504 and the IDEA

For information regarding the impact of Long COVID as it relates to Section 504 and IDEA, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Resource to Support Children, Students, Educators, Schools, Service Providers, and Families.

Health and Medical Accommodations

• Diabetes Care: State Laws, Regulations and Policies

Food Accommodations

• Accommodating Children with Diabetes in the School Meal Programs: U.S.D.A.
• Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs