Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a broad base civil rights law administered by the Office of Civil Rights, which protects the rights of persons with disabilities. The purpose of the Act and these procedures is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students.

Based on evaluation data gathered from a variety of sources, a Section 504 Committee will meet to answer the following questions to determine a student’s Section 504 eligibility:
 

(1) Does the student have a physical or mental impairment? This is an educational determination only, and not a medical diagnosis for purposes of treatment.
(2) Does the physical or mental impairment affect one or more major life activities?
(3) Does the physical or mental impairment substantially limit a major life activity? That is, as a result of the physical or mental impairment, is the student significantly restricted as to the condition, manner or duration under which the student can perform a particular major life activity as compared to the condition, manner, or duration under which the average student of the same age/grade level in the general population can perform that same major life activity?
(4) Does the student need Section 504 services in order for his/her educational needs to be met as adequately as those of non-disabled peers? (Note: If the student’s needs are so extreme as to require special education and related services, a referral to special education should be considered.)
 

If all four questions are answered “Yes,” the student is eligible for a free, appropriate public education under Section 504, and an Accommodation Plan should be developed. If any answer is “No,” the student is not eligible for Section 504 services.
 

If you have questions concerning 504, please contact the Assistant Superintendent at 903-567-4179.
 

Administrative Offices:

225 W. Elm St.
Canton, TX 75103

Phone: 903-567-4179
Fax: 903-567-2370

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