Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that prohibits organizations that receive federal money from discriminating against a person on the basis of a disability. Section 504 typically applies to all public and many private schools.

Section 504 requires schools to make a "reasonable accommodation" for students with disabilities to allow them to participate in school and school-related activities. Section 504 Plans can be created to help students with disabilities get accommodations that are not covered by their IEPs. Or, students with disabilities who do not need an IEP may still get accommodations through a Section 504 Plan.

For example, a student who has diabetes may have a Section 504 Plan that includes a schedule for getting medication. A student who uses a wheelchair may have a Section 504 Plan that provides for special transportation during field trips.

Click here for A Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504. 

Contact your local school​ for more information.