Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly called “Section 504,” is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. Section 504 assures that students with disabilities have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to students without disabilities. To be eligible, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
The Section 504 Process
Your child has the right to an evaluation before the school determines if he or she is eligible under Section 504. You have the right to:
- Recibir notificación antes de que la escuela tome cualquier acción con respecto a la identificación, evaluación y ubicación de su hijo.
- Have evaluation and placement decisions made by a group of persons, often called a “504 team,” including people who know your child, the meaning of the evaluation information, and the placement options available.
- Tomar decisiones de evaluación basadas en una variedad de fuentes. Algunos ejemplos de fuentes incluyen, entre otras, las siguientes: calificaciones o informes de progreso, su aporte, el aporte de los maestros, observaciones, derivaciones disciplinarias y pruebas formales.
- Refuse consent for the evaluation and provision of services under Section 504.
- Develop a Section 504 plan when accommodations and related services are necessary to receive a free appropriate public education to access equal educational opportunities.
Your child under Section 504 have the right to periodic reevaluations, including reevaluations before any significant change is made in your child’s program and/or placement. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding their Section 504 plan, contact the school administrator or complex area superintendent for assistance.
Si no está de acuerdo con la decisión de la escuela
If you disagree with the school’s decision regarding their child’s identification, evaluation, educational program or placement under Section 504, you may request mediation or an impartial due process hearing. You and your child have the right to take part in the hearing and have an attorney represent them. Requests for an impartial due process hearing are to be filed in writing to the complex area superintendent of your child’s school. The following is a direct link to the “Section 504 Request for Impartial Due Process Hearing” (PDF) forma.
Tiene derecho a presentar una queja por discriminación ante la División de Cumplimiento de Derechos Civiles del HIDOE.
Departamento de Educación del Estado de Hawái
División de Cumplimiento de Derechos Civiles
Apartado Postal 2360
Honolulu, Hawái 96804
Teléfono: 808-586-3322
También tiene derecho a presentar una solicitud ante la Oficina de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Educación de EE. UU.
Departamento de Educación de los Estados Unidos
Oficina de Derechos Civiles
915 Second Ave, Sala 3310
Seattle, Washington 98174-1099