Section 504, which was included in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 passed by Congress, prohibits discrimination against persons with a handicap in any program that receives federal financial assistance. Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that is designed to protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.

The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include activities such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working). Substantial limitation is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity that the average person in the general population can perform (not the optimal performance level for a person, but the average).

In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Bogalusa City School district recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability will be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system.

The school district has specific responsibilities under Section 504, which include the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if the child is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to provide access to appropriate educational services.

An eligible student’s Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP) lists necessary accommodations. Teachers should have input on IAP. Each of the student’s teachers must receive and sign a copy of the IAP. The teacher must implement the accommodations in the plan. The IAP is reviewed annually to determine if the student is still eligible and if the accommodations continue to be appropriate. However, the parents or school personnel could request a review at any time.

Links

IAP Template (Section 504 Plan)

Contact Us

Mrs. Nickie Leos
Section 504 Coordinator
nickieleos@bogschools.org