Section 504 Plan

Section 504 Plan

Wauconda CUSD 118 provides an appropriate education for all students with disabilities and prohibits any discrimination against students on the basis of their disability. A student with a disability who has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities and needs special education or related aids, and services is entitled to a free appropriate public education through a Section 504 Plan. Eligibility is determined through identification and evaluation procedures specified in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

A free appropriate public education under Section 504 means the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the needs of a student with a disability as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities are met.

While all students with disabilities who have IEPs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are protected from disability-based discrimination under Section 504, not all students with disabilities as defined in Section 504 students meet eligibility requirements under the IDEA. Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP may qualify for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the child: (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment; or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.  

For additional information, please contact the school psychologist or building principal.

What is Section 504?

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law to protect individuals with disabilities against discrimination. Schools may not discriminate against students who are otherwise qualified to participate in school activities but are inhibited by a disability from participating to the same extent as non-disabled peers. To be eligible for support under Section 504, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. This can include a student with a “record of such impairment” or “regarded as having an impairment.” 

• For students with disabilities who are eligible under Section 504, a 504 Plan is a document that identifies an individual’s impairment, the major life activity/activities that are substantially limited by the impairment, the need(s) that extend from the impairment, and the services, aids, accommodations, and modifications needed to address those needs.

Eligibility for 504

Any parent, staff member, or student may request an evaluation to determine a student’s potential eligibility for a 504 Plan. Written requests should be directed to the building principal or school psychologist. Additional information is available by contacting the Director of Student Services.

Revaluation

A reevaluation of each initial evaluation will be conducted every three (3) years or more frequently if conditions warrant. A reevaluation should be considered if there is significant change in the student’s medical status or performance, when a change of placement is being considered (could be as a result of a long-term suspension) or when a significant reduction in services or termination of services is being considered.

Click to view: Section 504 Parent Rights